15 sure tell signs you stand out as an only child

Being referred to as an 'only child' has become far from uncommon for me when it comes to my odd little quirks or the way I do things just slightly different from my friends. I've grown up with my mom and my dad and a plethora of furry family members, who my mom so fondly refers to as "my furry sisters." It has not been made apparent to me that I stand out as an only child until I began my time in college. I guess you never really notice something like that about yourself until it is pointed out to you. Knowing I have 'only child syndrome' has become a part of who I am and I do my best to embrace it, for the most part.

I would not trade my life as an 'only child' for just about anything. The life I have been provided is about as good as it gets. I am very close to both my mom and my dad, as well as the set of grandparents who live in the same town as my parents. Both of my parents has instilled in my a very strong work ethic and I love that I have been able to find such deep connections with both. So many of my friends ask if I wished I would have had a brother or sister growing up, and honestly I wouldn't. I love my life exactly how it is, only child an all.

Over the years I have definitely understood and realized there are certain things the 'only child' does just slightly different than the rest, below is a list of 15 signs to tell an only child.

1. Having an abnormally close relationship with one or both of your parents, also including cousins or grandparents.

2. Having a specific order for pretty much everything in your life (and having a slight meltdown when someone disrupts that order.)

3. Being overbearing or "the mom" of a friend group because you find it necessary to make sure your friends are always taken care of.

4. Not understanding what it is like to share; makeup, jewelry, clothes, space, etc. with anyone because you've never had to before.

5. Having a mini meltdown when you know where you want to eat, shop, etc. and your friends want to go somewhere else, but you aren't used to compromise.

6. Not knowing how to handle loud arguments or situations with your friends because your house has always been 'the quiet one."

7. Not knowing certain 'classic' childhood movies because you started watching 'adult' movies with your parents way before your time.

8. Having an old soul or appreciating older; music, movies, books, etc. because you were constantly around what your parents liked.

9. Forever feeling left out on "National Sibling day" when all of your friends are posting funny/cute photos of their brothers and sisters and you have your dog. . .

10. Always having a strong sense of independence.

11. Never having to worry about dropping off or picking up a sibling from school or extracurricular activities.

12. Tending to be overly sensitive about EVERYTHING.

13. Never really having a constant companion growing up like most do with siblings, in our friendships we are often clingy and overbearing meaning we are sometimes looked at as 'annoying or irritating.'

14. Constantly having to explain to friends and others that you aren't a spoiled brat and your parents actually made you work for what you have.

and lastly,

15. Anytime you do something slightly not normal around your friends, you hear "its because you're an only child."