Everyone has misconceptions and stereotypes about being an only child— a “lonely only” if you will. Well, here’s what you need to understand about our species:
I’m not antisocial. I actually have a friend. I just need my own personal space, but I still want everyone to revolve around me. Is that too much to ask?
In reality, while all the kids with siblings always had someone by their side, us “onlys” had to work for our friendships. So entering high school and college, we were cool, calm, and collected by using the friendship making skills we developed way back in the day.
I’m not bossy. I’m just a natural born leader.
In reality, only children learn how to be independent and mature at a very young age, and these skills continue to develop as time goes on. However, sometimes we don’t really understand why other people don’t always do what we say…
I am not spoiled. I just understand the value of a good buy. My dad doesn’t seem to agree, but that doesn’t really matter, right?
In reality, as the only children, parents watch our spending to the very last cent. My dad even gets text message alerts whenever I use a credit card. A few seconds after I buy something, I immediately receive this text: “You just spent how much on socks? Love you. -Dad”
I’m not possessive or needy. I just have some slight tendencies to not share and to cling to everyone I know.
In reality, kids with siblings are constantly forced to share toys and fight for attention. We never had that fight since we always had the attention—so we are less likely to be pushy or aggressive in order to get what we want. Also, we’re more willing to share what we have in order to make friends—back to the clingy.
I’m not egoistical or selfish. I just have a lot of self-confidence.
In reality, since I don’t have a sibling to love, I consider my best friends my brothers and sisters and love them like family. But, I would be lying if I didn’t say that when I was a younger I thought I was actually the only person alive in the world and everyone else only existed to be a part of my life. I realize now that other people actually do exist and aren’t just figments of my imagination…
Oh, and here is a list of some famous only children:
- FDR
- Condoleezza Rice
- Lance Armstrong
- Frank Sinatra
- Elvis Presley
- Natalie Portman
- Harry Potter (and Daniel Radcliffe)
- Jesus
Photo Sources:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/louispeitzman/what-its-like-to-be-an-only-child
http://v8.en.memegenerator.co/instance/40621051
http://content.time.com/time/covers/0,16641,20100719,00.html
http://www.funnyjunk.com/funny_pictures/3636955/Why+i+m+glad+i+m+an+only+child
http://www.someecards.com/usercards/viewcard/6a641681237218d07746091e3e73071d9a