It isn't a wish that we go to sleep with every night. It isn't something that in this type of situation we can even control. It isn't even something that can be fixed. But, in these cases, or at least in my case, none of these situations happen or occur. I am not talking about global warming or anything life altering to that extent, but rather living as an only child.

For all the only children out there, you can agree that as a child the idea of another sibling had not entirely set in. I know in my case I used to cringe at the idea of another sibling for no good reason. The conversation with my mother would go something like this:

Mom: Kalliopi, what if Mommy and Daddy brought a little boy and girl into the family?

Me: Are you replacing me?

Mom: No honey, it would be an addition. Someone else to play with.

Me: No. Nooooo. No.

But, looking back, even without a sibling, I still managed to live a normal life. The question "how do you feel without a sibling?" is one that I can say I've heard probably more than a hundred times as if being an only child is some kind of disease that we should be afraid of. I've come to realize that being an only child in its own way makes you pay attention and appreciate the little things. Not having a constant "playmate" is something that you learn quickly to adapt to. Without this other person, you learn to appreciate everything that has come your way; good and bad. As an only child, I was always more prone to want to have friends and fill a void that I thought I had. You soon realize that the friendships that you once thought would help you overcome even the worst situations were the ones that made you learn the most. It is not about finding many friends; it is about having the few that will always be there for you.

Furthermore, you learn to take a step back and look at the little things that make the bigger picture a reality. I was always extremely meticulous with everything that I did. Even though it may seem like a tedious thing to do, I realized that this type of mindset allowed me to really identify myself and align myself with people that would allow me to be the person that I was and still am today.

So, how do I feel about being an only child? I feel complete. I feel as though everything that has led me to the point I am today is in large part do to the circumstances that I faced. It is not to say that people that have siblings are living a lesser life. But for me, a life with siblings is unnecessary at this point. I have learn to surround myself with the people that help me, that further my potential instead of tarnish it. And that, that fulfillment, that is enough for me. I don't need an extra family member because my family is complete the way it is. All I need is those true and steadfast people in my life.