Imagine being all alone in the center of a large stage, the spotlight focused on you, and only you. Wouldn’t that be amazing? If you have even the slightest bit of stage fright, however, the very idea of this scenario may send you into a coma. Being an only child has a similar effect on those who despise this exclusive attention. 

While children with siblings have their parents’ attention divided amongst the kids, we only children are blessed with the fortunate (or in some cases unfortunate) undivided attention from our parents. Although I sometimes wish that I had a sibling to banter with, or rely on if I needed anything, I am personally extremely grateful to have this center spot on the stage most of the time.

One common misconception about only children is the idea of only child syndrome, calling us lonely and selfish, saying that we get anything we want from our parents. What if this was no misconception at all? All of us are somewhat bossy, absorbed, spoiled, and lonely. Although my parents claim I am different from other only children, I believe that my fellow sibling-less performers can share some of the experiences that I have with being an only child. Here are some advantages of being an only child.

I am extremely close to my parents. More than any of my friends or relatives, I tell my parents everything. I spent so much quality time with them that they have become two of my best friends. We’re always together: at the dinner table, right after school, sitting and gossiping about our days. This has forged a bond between us like none other. 

I have learned that loneliness doesn’t always have to be lonely. Since my parents have always been there for me, I have never felt as though being an only child is lonely. Although my six-year-old self, who instead of imaginary friends, had imaginary siblings, would disagree, I think that through the years I have developed a liking for alone time. Although at first glance, I may seem to be outgoing and an extrovert, I enjoy my time alone and my own company.

I have gained selflessness over selfishness. Contradictory to the average perception of a child without siblings, I believe we are more selfless than selfish. We grew up never having to share anything, and there was never a fight to keep things to ourselves. When we entered the real world, this fight to have everything be ours and go our way remained untraceable. 

Having no siblings comes with pros and cons, and in my case, the pros heavily outweigh the cons. While I constantly hear from others that I don’t seem like an only child, I think that being an only child has shaped me into the person I am today and will continue to affect the type of person I grow into in the future.