You know the phrase, “You can’t pick your family but you can pick your friends?” Well it rings true with me because I didn’t choose to be an only child. I have never known what it’s like to fight with siblings or wonder which kid my parents like best. Over my 21 years of being an only child, I’ve learned some lessons that have attributed to who I am today.

1. How to self-entertain.

Not to say that I was left alone a lot when I was younger, but with no siblings around, I learned how to do things by myself. I was always reading books or writing stories to pass the time. Now that I’m in college if I have any down time, I can curb my boredom and enjoy some alone time (with Netflix, of course).

2. I get along with adults better.

Being not only an only child but the youngest in my entire family, I was around adults when I was growing up more than other children my age. My parents taught me how to interact with older people, and honestly, I felt more comfortable around them. Maybe that’s why I’m not too keen on little kids now...

3. It’s all in how you are raised.

Only children can get a bad rap for being spoiled or privileged because they don’t have any siblings. It all depends on your parents, though. Yes, my parents pay for my gas, groceries, and car payments, but they had me get a job at 16 to make my own money that I can spend on things I want to buy for myself. I’m grateful for all that my parents have done for me and hope to repay them someday.

4. You can be a little selfish…in a good way.

I’ve never had to share any of my toys or a bedroom. I get my parents undivided attention, and it’s not something I take for granted. When I was younger, my dad and I would go bowling on Tuesday nights, and my mom would take me shopping on the weekends. They have supported me in everything I’ve done, from gymnastics to managing my high school’s baseball team to applying to graduate school. I know that the two of them will always be there for me.

5. My dogs are my siblings.

This could possibly be where my obsession with dogs came from. Growing up, we always had a dog (or dogs) in the house, so I started to consider them my siblings. I couldn’t blame them when I got in trouble, but they made really good companions. We have two dogs now that I love more than anything in the world, and nothing is better than when I go home and they greet me at the door.