Growing up as an only child, I was often assumed to be a spoiled-rotten, conceited little brat. Angelica Pickles gives us only children a bad rap about that. Upon revealing to someone new that I am an only child, here are the frequently asked questions I've gotten before, regarding my lack of siblings.

“You don’t seem like an only child.”

Well, I am, so deal with it.

“So, could your parents not have any more kids…?”

Well, I was such a perfect child that my parents didn’t want to ruin their streak, so that pretty much sums it up.

"So, what's it like not having any siblings?"

Um, I'm not really sure what it's like to actually have a sibling, so I guess having my own bathroom is nice?

"Oh, that makes sense"

(I never know how to answer this one since it's kind of a rude comment)

People see us as individuals who grew up getting whatever we wanted, but that’s almost never the case. I was truly appreciative of all that I had. There's a huge difference between being spoiled and being privileged. I'll forever be grateful of everything my parents gave to me and for raising me to be the person I am today. Yes, I never had to share a room or wait until it was my turn to use the shower, but I learned how to value things in life. I still had chores to do that, once completed, would earn me an allowance. I have found and appreciated the importance in personal space. I was taught to look out for myself, which has not made me dependent on others in situations. Actually, to be quite honest, I love being alone. If a time comes along when I can financially support myself to live in a place on my own (with a cat) without support from my parents, then I'd know I have made it.

Being an only child has also brought me close to my parents. I can always count on them for support or occasional constructive criticism. My relationship with my parents always had room for a silly time. They both knew how to make me laugh and we always found something to talk about, whether it was a TV show or current events. My communication with my parents, however, was either them all up in my grill asking questions about everything or completely forgetting they even had a child. There was no in-between. Hanging out with them 24/7 also taught me to be comfortable around adults as child. I can definitely say I learned some lessons in maturity, while at the same time still not knowing how to tie my shoes.

Growing up, my house was a shrine of me. Yearbook photos and amateur photos of me posing with a bucket of flowers abounded in our household. It was pretty much a brag fest for my parents about how cute their minimally talented daughter was. While it is true that I do enjoy being the center of attention, well, obviously, because I was the star of my household, I have never lost sight of those around me. I value my relationships with my close friends even more. I care for my friends the way I would imagine siblings would care for one another.

I'm not here to say that all stereotypes about only children are wrong, but don't be quick to underestimate an only child. There's absolutely nothing wrong with having a small immediate family of three or more if you include the pets.