Since I can remember, every time I’ve revealed my fun fact, I’d be relished in agreance: “You’re such an only child.”
Only Child Representation
I struggled with this statement growing up. I’ve flipped it over in my head countless times, not sure whether this is a subtle diss or a compliment to my character. I lean towards neither, it just makes me who I am.
It was an unspoken insecurity I had for the longest time. But, since coming to college, leaving home and my parents, I’m more thankful for being an only child than I ever was.
For starters, Emma Chamberlain, an icon, is the fearless leader of the only child community which makes me that much prouder to be one. If you’re an avid watcher of Chamberlain’s vlogs you’d know just how she is close to her parents .
A Special Bond
The relationship I share with both my mom and dad is special. In the least embarrassing way, they’re my best friends.
I honestly can’t imagine sharing them with another person and not necessarily because I get all of attention. Truthfully, I’d love a sibling for that reason, so the attention wouldn’t always be on me. I genuinely tell them everything. I can call my dad crying over a boy (this happens too much). I can ask my mom if I should go to the date party I got asked to. I can tell them about the new guy I hung out with and have a crush on or just complain about someone annoying me. This may not be the norm for girls my age, but I’m so thankful it’s a norm for me.
Only children often get a bad rap. People think we’re selfish or bratty and maybe some are, but not me. I may be biased, but I wouldn’t change a thing.
More Love to Go Around
Though I’ve never had to share my favorite sweater, the last cookie from the batch my mom made or fight over the remote. I wouldn’t call this selfish; I’d call it learning to prioritize myself. But while learning this, I also found a love in prioritizing others.
The love that I would’ve felt for a sibling not only goes to my parents but also to my friends. I value friendships a lot more than most would because they’re my version of a sibling.
My friends from college and from my hometown are some of the people that I value the most in my life. They have shown me what it’s like to feel protected, loved and never judged which embodies a sibling, not that I would know.
Are you an only child? Let us know on Instagram @VALLEYmag!
