Being an only child is a blessing and a curse all in one. If you're an only child, odds are people have asked / told you the following things at least once in your lifetime:
"Don't you get lonely all of the time?"
Hello, imaginary friends! More likely than not, if you're an only child, you had an imaginary friend growing up. Or two. Or twelve. Regardless, no we don't get lonely all of the time. In fact, only children are probably more likely to have fun while being alone, thanks to being forced to make our own fun for most of our lives.
"Oh... you must be a spoiled brat!"
I used to get this one a lot while growing up. Although I can admit that Christmas was awesome because no presents ever had to be shared, I can argue against the whole "spoiled brat" thing. Just because I'm an only child doesn't give me a free pass to get everything I want in life. Yes, my parents give me all of their attention because I'm their only child, but this does not necessarily mean I get everything I ask for.
"You must be a horrible roommate if you've never shared a room before"
Living at college it hard, period. But yes it's true, it's significantly harder to share a room and be a good roommate if you've never had to live in the same space as someone before. Us only children go from having our own rooms to living in a 5x5x5 square box with a stranger. However, it's not impossible. Explaining to your roommate that you might suck for the first month or so of living is a normal conversation to have. It takes getting used to, but us only children are more than capable of it!
"Do you ever wish you had a sibling?"
Everyone wants what they don't have. I've heard a lot of only children who wished for a little brother or sister every Christmas while growing up, but for me personally, I was never too upset about being an only child. I like to think that some of my closest friends are like my siblings, even though the bond can't be imitated (or so I've been told).
"Wow, you seem so mature for your age"
Thanks! I like to think so too sometimes, but only because I never could learn from my older (or younger) sibling's mistakes growing up. I had to make all of my own, so naturally, I learned a lot. Also, being an only child forces you to be more than independent, so maturity comes secondhand.
"Do you actually like being alone?"
Of course! Actually, I need my alone time every once in a while. It's how I clear my head and recharge my batteries!
