I see so many articles on a daily basis about how great it is to have a sister. While I'm sure that this is all good and true, I thought I would write an article about how it's just as good being the only girl in a family. Being the "only girl" out of four kids is often talked about as a tragedy from the outside looking in. Upon meeting new people, when the family dynamic question comes up and people learn that I have three brothers and then there's me, the girl, I have heard everything. "Aww, sweetie it's just you and all of those boys? I'm so sorry." I've even heard, "Well, you're just all by yourself, aren't you?" Well, no, I am most certainly not all by myself. I have three brothers and, not to mention, I have my mom and no male can take us on, whether it's my three brothers or an entire army of them. And I also laugh when people tell me the first, because I think to myself: You're sorry for me? Do you not know what it's like to be the only girl? It rocks. Yes, I am the only girl. Yes, I have three brothers. Yes, they drive me insane any and every time that I go back home. And yes, I love it and would not have it any other way, and here are some reasons why.
1. Just the fact that you get the title of the "only girl."
I don't understand where this becomes a bad thing or a title deserving pity from others? No one takes my clothes (besides my mom occasionally, but she's only repaying the favor), I don't have to fight with anyone over makeup, and I get a bed to myself when we go on vacations.
2. You don't ever have to worry about being compared to your sibling.
At least not in a way where your sister is the "prettier one," or the "more talented," or the "better liked," by boys or people in general. You don't have to fall into an older sister's shadow, and you can just be yourself and be your own person and not worry about any sister to sister comparisons.
3. You rule the roost.
When it comes to the boys, if you're anything like me, you're still the man of the house -- the head honcho, the captain in command. The boys won't mess with you because you are the alpha sibling, or at least in your head you are because you have something that sets you apart from your brothers -- brains. (Just kidding, sort of.)
4. You get to be your mom's best friend and your dad's pride and joy.
Basically, you get to be the unspoken favorite just by default (shh, don't tell my brothers). You and your mom have to stick together so the house doesn't fall to ruin under the authority of the men and there's just something special between a dad and his little girl!
5. Most importantly, you know you have constant backup.
You may not need it, you may be independent to a fault like I am, but it's still nice to know that at the end of the day, being the only girl with three brothers means that you always have three people who have your best interest at heart, even if that's hidden by layers of "brotherness," and that are willing to go to bat for you any time you need it.
