"Oh, You're An Only Child?"

Just me being an only child.

Since today is National Only Child Day, I figured this would be a great time to blog about the stereotypes and the awesomeness of being an only child. Since the beginning of my life I've been an only child. My parents had trouble conceiving and actually gave up and then my Mom got prego with me. This is why I like to refer to myself as the “miracle child.” Just kidding, but seriously. To be honest, being an only child was never an issue for me and I've never understood the stereotype associated with it. The only time in life it ever bothered me was when I told other people that I was an only child.

“Oh you’re an only child? I bet that sucked.” (Cue “the look”)

And by “the look” I mean that instant look of pity. Like because I was an only child my parents stuck me in the basement with limited food and water or something. If you’re not an only child and you don’t know what I mean by the look of pity. It is the same look you get from great aunts and uncles at Christmas when you tell them you’re single and over the age of 18. (And yes I've been single and an only child at the same time. Double pity.)

That look goes back to society’s fear of being alone. Dun-Dun-Duhhh. Yes, I said it. People are afraid of being alone. It’s why millions of dollars are spent on dating, weddings, and love in general. Or why websites like match.com even exist in the first place. Don’t get me wrong I have nothing against relationships and getting married, I’m in a relationship right now. But I know too many people who just go from relationship to relationship because they’re trying to find their soul mate to complete them. But why do we have to have another person in our life to feel complete? Or people who stay in bad, unhealthy relationships because they don’t want to be alone. I know I’m getting a little off topic, but my point is that I've never been afraid of being alone…..and I attribute this to being an only child.

My evil parents who made me an only child.

I've never been afraid of sitting in a restaurant by myself or going to the movies by myself. I've done both of these activities multiple times and I think I’m a better person for it. I guess the word I’m looking to describe myself is independent. I think because I grew up as an only child I’m extremely independent. Growing up on a farm as an only child I had to be creative and think of things to keep myself busy. I have never been the type to “get bored.” I was either outside, reading, or playing with my toys.



So let’s look at the top three stereotypes for only children:

1. Spoiled. You have no idea how many times people just assumed that I was a spoiled brat because I’m an only child, which is really quite rude. I’m not going to lie and say I didn't get awesome presents growing up, but my parents were also able to teach me the fine line between a want and a need. Was I fortunate to have nice things? Yes, but so did a lot of other kids in my school. So I don't feel bad about it.

2. Bossy. I will admit that growing up there were instances when I was bossy. For example, I always insisted that I had to be Baby Spice when we played Spice Girls, even though I wasn't a blonde. I don’t know why I wanted to be her so bad, but I did. Jenny was always pissed at me about it. She still brings it up today. There are times today when the boss in me comes out, but I don’t think it’s a bad thing. It goes back to being independent and knowing what I want. Plus nowadays they don’t call it bossy, they call it being a leader.   ; )

3. Social Skills. For some reason people assume that only children have a hard time communicating or they’re introverts. I’m the complete opposite. Talking has never been a problem for me. My sixth grade teacher once told my Mom I was the social butterfly of the class. Why do you think I’m majoring in communications?

There’s probably more stereotypes, but that’s all I've got for today. As you can see the struggle of being an only child is real. I hope you all remember this blog the next time someone tells you they’re an only child, please don’t give them “the look.”

Happy #NationalOnlyChildDay to all the kids out there with no brothers and sisters! The few, the proud, and the extremely attractive!