This one goes out to all the only girls in the family—I definitely feel you. Growing up, I had a very up and down relationship with being the only daughter in my nuclear family. I remember being elated learning about becoming a big sister the first and second times to my little brothers, who I, of course, love so much. But there were many times in my life that I wished that I also had a sister when it came to boys, makeup, and general girl bonding that I didn’t get to have all the time at home. If you can relate to any of these points, I’m sending you a virtual head nod of understanding.
1. You never have to share clothes.
I’ll start off with a very positive one because I very much enjoyed having a closet of my own, while still having the option to steal sweatshirts and band tees from my brothers’ closets.
2. Boys’ bathrooms are so much worse than girls’ bathrooms.
Deodorant smeared on the counter, towels soaking wet laying on the floor, and hair gel leaving a film all over the entire surface area. I won’t go on.
3. There is no such thing as eating leftovers the next day.
They won’t be there. Just spare yourself the pain and accept the fact that all snacks will last two days.
4. Your mom is probably your best friend.
My mom and I are insanely close, and I attribute a lot of that truth to the fact that we had to band together in a house full of testosterone.
5. You learn a lot of things and go to a lot of places that you wouldn’t on your own.
There was a time where I was the primary GameStop cardholder because I was the only one that was 18 and could buy them M-rated games. It was a whole new world.
6. Things that guys do don’t phase you because you’ve been there, done that.
I credit all my smell and mess survival skills while living in a frat to living with boys my entire life.
7. Sometimes spending time alone.
If my parents were out and my brothers were hanging out together, I found myself spending some afternoons on my own.
8. You get vetoed on movie night. Every. Single. Time.
I don’t think my vote for movies or games or activities has ever been chosen, except when it comes to Christmas movies, in which case Elf always wins.
9. You don’t go near the laundry room when your brother’s clothes are in the mix.
Just no. Absolutely not. Do not pass go, do not collect $200.
10. You’ve seen every Lego model ever produced.
Along with this comes Buzz Lightyear action figures, Pokemon cards, and a whole of pinched feet.
*Disclaimer: Brett and Braden, if you’re reading this, just know that you’re still the best brothers a girl could ask for.
