If I had a dollar for each stereotypical thought and every confused look I got from people when they found out I was an only child, my college tuition would be paid for long before I even got here. The “But you’re so normal,” and the “You don’t seem like an only child,” is common, as if only children are some different species.
I have always been told that I don’t act like the “typical only child.” Is that supposed to be a compliment? I never realized what that stigma really meant. The stereotypes attached with being an only child are what I consider to be misconceptions of the people we only children actually are.
Not all of us suffer from “only child syndrome,” sorry to burst your stigma bubble.
1. We're all spoiled brats.
False. We’re all not. Yes, our parents are more likely to grant us our wishes because they only have to buy one, not two or three, but this doesn’t mean we’re spoiled brats. Trust me we’re told no more times than you can even imagine.
2. We're lonely.
3. We need our space.
True, to some extent. On behalf of all only children, I will say that having our space is something that is fairly true. We're not crazy about it, but I'll be honest, we do like having our personal space once and a while.
4. We crave attention.
False. Well, I shouldn't say that for everyone. For myself, I absolutely hate being the center of attention, but for some others this may actually be true.
5. We're self centered.
False. If anything, being an only child seems to make us self- critical. Not all of us are egotistical.
6. We're very independent.
True. Growing up a little too fast may be in the cards for some only children. We learn to become independent at a young age, even if we're extremely close with our parents.
7. We lack the full "family" experience.
False. Not having siblings, doesn't necessarily mean you don't have a "Family." I am fortunate enough to come from a big family with many relatives, and that's perfectly fine with me.
8. We're more conscientious.
True. Without having a sibling to blame for your actions, you learn that sometimes you should take the high road. Being an only child, you have pressure on you to do the right thing all the time.
9. We're socially awkward.
Eh. For me, I would say this may, in fact, be true, but for others, they're able to interact and socialize without any awkwardness.
10. We're perfectionists.
Totally True. Without the competition of siblings, you learn quickly that you want everything to be perfect since everyone is judging you. It makes sense, they have no one else to compare you to.
11. We're selfish.
Half False. In most cases, we aren't trying to be selfish, it just seems like it to you. Does that count as an answer?
Being an only child is something that I didn't have a problem with. I hope some of the people that judge us as soon as they find out we're only children will realize that us only children are just like the rest of you all.
