I've always been content being the only child and I actually wouldn't change a single thing about it, since it's shaped me into the person I am today.
However, the life of being an old child is definitely different compared to other households.
There are certain things I've experienced growing up and I feel like other only children might be able to relate to the following.
1. Entertained yourself.
Being an only child, this is actually one of the things I'm forever grateful for. Growing up, I didn't have anyone to play toys with on a daily basis. However, that didn't stop my imagination and creativity — it only widened it! Even though some may assume that being an only child is lonely, I can oppose to that. Overall, I learned how to occupy and entertain myself. Because of that, I've always been content with my own company and to this day, I don't mind being alone!
2. Your pets were the closest thing you had to siblings.
Although I didn't have a brother or sister always stealing my things, I had dogs who would take my clothes from my hamper and hide them somewhere in the house! Similar to a sibling, my dogs were always my sidekicks — whether it was following me around the house, playing fetch, or simply just lounging in my room. Who says dogs aren't like humans?
3. Better yet, cousins were the closest thing to siblings as well.
Although I didn't have anyone at home to play or fight with, I had my cousins for that. I remember always looking forward to family gatherings, mainly because I would get to hang out with them. After family events, trying to convince our parents for a sleepover was always a struggle but when they would finally agree, we would be ecstatic. Some of my fondest childhood memories consist of hang outs and sleepovers with my cousins.
4. Being sad when company would leave your house after gatherings.
Growing up and even to this day, I always enjoyed having company over once in awhile. When you're so used to being in a house with just your parents, having get togethers or family gathering's is always a nice way to switch things up a bit! However, once the party was over and everyone had to leave, it always left me feeling a bit melancholy.
5. Hearing comments like "you're so lucky you don't have siblings."
Although I was content with being an only child, I always dreamt about what it would be like to have siblings, what it would be like to fight or hangout with them, or even thought about how different my life would be if I had a brother or sister growing up.
6. Meeting other's who were also only children was legendary.
When I was younger, for some reason I always assumed being an only child was so rare and thought that I was essentially the only one out there. However, as I got older, I met other's who were only children as well. Ironically, some of these people turned out to be good friends of mine! Sometimes, it's nice for only children being able to relate to each other and hear each other's stories.
7. Being mature for your age.
Growing up as an only child, I always heard that I was mature for my age. I feel like some of my maturity had to deal with being surrounded by adults all of the time. When you spend so much time being around adults and conversing with them, you start to pick up on certain things.
