There are always some inferences made about only children when we meet new people. I could not even express in a number how many times I have heard, “OMG you’re so down to earth for an only child!” or “You must be a spoiled brat then,” or “Don’t you get lonely?” The answer to that last question is quite simply, no. Once upon a time yes it would’ve been awesome to have someone else play Polly Pockets with me, however, I developed a wicked creativity because I had to make my own fun, all by myself. I don’t like the whole stereotypical idea of what an only child should be.

Growing up, it was just me. I never had to fight for love and attention, of my parents, it was just given. There was never someone else there to steal my spotlight, I was the shining star of their lives. With all of the attention however, came much responsibility, and unfortunately “it was the dog” only works as an excuse for so many things. Ever since I was little, there was an expectation that I succeed. I’m not complaining about this because my parents bestowed me with the hard working, “take no prisoners” attitude I have today. When I mess up, I am the only one who can take the blame. Now saying that makes it seem like my parents are incredibly strict and crazy. However that is far from the truth, at least, pretty far, my mom does have some “smother” tendencies.

While the spotlight was always shining brightly on me, my parents also granted me the freedom as I got older and proved I was responsible enough, to have the freedoms all kids experience. While there is often times a stereotype that only children cannot do anything and live in “bubbles,” my parents tried to make sure I could escape that idea. They let my leash get longer and longer as I grew up, just like normal kids with siblings. Granted, the responsibility of laundry was one thing I never had to worry about.

In my third week of college, I finally am starting to master the whole laundry thing. However, the whole concept of being 256 miles away from my biggest support system is rather draining. Being able to sit down with my mom in our living room and talk about the mundane troubles of the day is a lot easier than trying to find a place that isn't a dead zone in my dorm in order to quickly call her in between classes.

Sitting in silence watching a cheesy reality TV show isn’t the same without my dad’s goofy comments about how stupid the contestants are. I am starting to realize that I may have taken them for granted. Being away from my family is a lot harder than I thought. Due to the fact that it is just me, my parents were some of my best friends. While that probably makes me sound like a complete and utter dork who has no friends, nothing beats talking things out with both of my parents.