LIFE

You've heard it before: Only children are spoiled. While it's true that research backs the claim that birth order impacts your personality, being an only child isn't *just* about getting a little more (or, uh, a lot more) attention than your friends with sibs. Here’s the good, the bad and the ugly about your personality.

You’re mature for your age.
As an only child, you spent a lot of time as a kid around adults (and way less with people your own age). You grew up fast, and you can always hold your own in a group of people older than you. The “mom” of your squad? Probably an only child.

You could entertain yourself in *any* situation.
Being alone as a kid meant being resourceful. You’d have to get creative on solo games and projects to keep yourself entertained all day. Doctor's office? Long lines? Watching paint dry? No problem for an only child. You’ll find a way to make it fun.

You’re used to getting your way.
No siblings means no arguments on what show to watch, what game to play, what snack to make or which song to listen to in the car. It was your way, all day, every day. Because of that, you maybe aren’t the best at compromising. Some people called it “spoiled,” but we just think of it as opinionated.

And when it comes to sharing, you could use a little practice.
You never shared a toy, a book, a snack or even your parents’ attention. So friends borrowing your clothes? Sharing a bathroom at school? Yuck, no thanks. These are basically only child kryptonite. Sadly, sharing is kinda a fact of life, so you’ve got to get used to it and start offering your squad a fry (or two) at lunchtime.

You’re not someone who asks for help easily.
Growing up, you solved most of your problems yourself. (Did we mention only children have a lot of alone time?) But as a result, you’re more likely to solve problems by yourself, no matter how much it’s driving you crazy. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your girls on a tough problem. After all, friends are the siblings we choose, right?

You need your space and alone time.
You’re used to coming home from school to peace and quiet. You’ve got a room to yourself to relax and unwind. So, for you, a slumber party or weekend away with a friend can be a little draining at the end. Just know yourself and take your alone time when you need it to recharge.

But, you’re always excited to spend time with friends and people your own age.
Having friends over as a kid was the best and when you’re invited to do something, you almost always say yes, knowing that you’ll need the social opportunity to balance out your quality me-time. Only children are surprising social butterflies. You do it all.

You’re independent.
You’re a BO$$ who relies on herself. You don’t need your friends to go with you to the bathroom during homeroom, and you have no problem hanging out alone at recess. You go, girl.

But you’re also used to a certain level of attention (all of it).
The spotlight, for better or for worse, was always on you. So you may be trying to back away from some of the attention, or you may feel like all eyes should be on you. As an only child, you may not always take center stage in your social life, but you will make sure your voice is heard when you want it to be.

You love being an only child, and wouldn’t change it for the world.
Sometimes you really wish there was a sibling with you on family vacations or holidays. But that being said, being an only child has made you the independent, resourceful person you are.

Do you relate? What other personality trait do you think all only children share? Let us know in the comments!

Photo credit: The Hunt.

by Linda Horn | 9/19/2017