What It's Really Like To Be An Only Child

Spoiled. Mature. Lonely. Lucky. Stubborn. Entitled. Selfish. Independent. Immature.

They may all seem like contradictory statements, and in some ways, they most definitely are. And yet, they are all words that people have used at some point to describe me, simply because I am an only child.

It doesn't matter my family life, my personality, or my accomplishments. For some odd reason, we all seem to have some pre-conceived notion about those only-children. When someone finds out I am an only child, the most common reaction is getting is "Oh, that makes so much sense." Apparently, being an only child creates a specific persona. But in reality, if you haven't lived it, you will just never know. While some of the ideas may be very true, we only-children didn't choose this life. So stop judging us before you've gotten to know us.

There's not a whole lot I can really say to describe to someone what it's like to be an only child. Yes, it's true that I get all of the attention. After all, who else would it go to? But, that doesn't mean that I always like being the center of attention. I'm a natural born performer, so I certainly like my fair share of center-stage. But I too like my alone time, hidden silently in the corner.

I grew up spending a lot of time alone, so I most definitely have the ability to be independent. I do better with older people than people my own age, simply because that's who I grew up around. I spent a significant amount of time with my parents and family. Of course, I had friends my own age, but it still gives me a sense of security to have someone older there to protect me.

Before you ask, no, I don't always get my way. My parents were still in charge, I still had to share with friends. Of course, I was always the one to pick what game we played or movie we watched, but I didn't own the entire Barbie collection. Being an only child doesn't make me entitled, it just makes me who I am. I was always the youngest, so of course, I was treated as such.

Yet, I like to think that I am anything but selfish. I love volunteering and I love helping others. It's just who I am, it's in my blood. Sure I grew up as an only child, but my family really embodied the spirit of giving.

When I was little I used to whine, saying "I'm a lonely child." But in reality, I actually couldn't imagine growing up with siblings. Now, I have over 200 sorority sisters and I couldn't be blessed with anything better, I get the best of both worlds. I have girls who truly act like my siblings. We fight, we love, and I know we truly live for each other.

So yes, I may be spoiled. I am mature, and yet in some ways, still very immature. My role models have changed my life, and I now live the best of both worlds. I am independent, I am lucky. But not because I am an only child, simply because that's who I am.