Are you an only child?

Question

If so do you think it affects our relationships with others, especially when older. I also hate the expression 'only child' it makes us sound strange and lonely.

Answer 1

I utterly resent the assumption that all only children are spoilt and self centred - I think those who direct the comments at us are
unaware of the lonliness you face when you loose your parents.
Despite having a fab partner and two much loved sons (adopted)
I still feel very much alone - my kids have a smaller family circle
- yes its true you probably get more attention focused on you BUT
jeez its hard being the only person your parents focus on - many
only kids rebel - Only Children do however develop ways to amuse themselves far better than those with sibling - but we also miss out - I should also state that I have viewed this with only kids I also have worked with! So dont just assume we have all been spoilt brats who are self centred - I for one would have given anything to have had brothers or sisters (AND even been a
middle child ) For the record I think middle child syndrome is a much worse blight.

Answer 2

Hello. - I am.

I once had a Co-Worker say to me in a question form (years ago), "You are the only child aren't you?" I was surprised and said, "Yes." I asked, "How did you know?" The Co-Worker just shook their head and laughed. I never did receive an answer.

Looking back, I think I know why now. I unfortunately at times have "selfish" tendencies, without realizing it. I work on that aspect every day, to be more considerate of others.

I do not mind being called an *only child*. (adult)
I quite enjoy the role so to speak..lol

I was never lonely as a child, I also do not feel I have ever "missed out" on anything; Nor do I "suffer" from anything.

Is "suffering" categorized as a mental state, physical state? How is that word interpreted to others who are the only children?

What exactly am I suppose to be "suffering" from as an Only Adult Child?

No-one can "lump" people who do not have siblings, into a category of anything. Except one category - Only Child - Adult or Child.

It seriously is an individual attitude. Depends on the person themselves.

Have a nice day. :)

Answer 3

I have had long term relationships with a total of 4 only childern
(at different times of course).

It really depends on how your parents raised you. 2 I dated were very spoiled and they seemed to get very jealous easily and had a worst temper. The other two are very laid back and to tell you the truth I didn't know they were an only child.

To me if you can't tell they don't have siblings then chances are they are ok.

I hate to sterotype but there are typical people out there who are the sterotype of "only child". You just have to go on an individual basis.

Oh and I have never meet an only child that is strange or lonely.

Answer 4

I'm not, I'm one of 6 siblings and step-siblings.My partner is an only child, and my son was an only child until the age of 9. I don't think only children are spoilt, or selfish, it very much depends on the upbringing, but they can have problems sharing time (not necessarily material things) as they have always had much more input of quality time by their parents. I think they have very much more intense relationships with their parents and there is a lot of subtle pressure on them to do the right thing, be it having a good job, producing grandchildren, or whatever. However, only children often have no concept of sibling rivalry and have different experiences of jealousy - they have not had to fight for their parents' attention and fairness. i think some only children can be more sociable because they have had to go out and find friends, rather than having ready-made playmates at home, but some end up being more insular if they have not had the opportunities to go out and get those friends.
It very much affects your relationships with others, as does everything in your childhood.

Answer 5

No I`m not an only child, but don`t think that affects relationships with others. It`s the way the child is brought up, if they get to have lots of friends round and learn to share, not always get things they want and not spend all their time with adults, thus being older then their years. Only child is a sad expression, and does conjure up a bleak picture.

Answer 6

Im not an only child but I you can tell an only child when you meet them. They almost forget that there are other people there and come accross as quite selfish sometimes. An only child is best suited to a 'middle child' (if you have more than two siblings, you tend to fall into one of three catagories anyways) or the 'eldest child'.
Dont ever go out with the youngest child if you are an only child. You'll always be arguing and it will be very hard for friends to be in your company.
An eldest child is very bosy and althorative and a middle child is very passive and helps to solve disputes.
Its very easy to tell what sibling I am.

Answer 7

Yes I think it does. I am an only child and unfortunately I prefer my own company! I am in a relationship and have a 9 year old boy (again an only child!) but I would rather it just be me and my son. Also, when I was 12, my mum and dad moved into a pub and I was upstairs by myself quite a lot, so this added to it. I am still a very shy person and find it difficult to communicate with other people, which makes them think I am ignorant, which I not!

Answer 8

No I'm not any only child but I have dated a few guys and have a couple of friends that are. I don't think they miss out on relationships because they are usually spoiled by their parents and surrounded by more friends than person with 2/ 3 or 4 siblings. Also I know when it comes to certain things, they get really possessive and don't really understand the concept of sharing.

Answer 9

I am an only child and i remember was lonely sometimes because i didn't have anyone to play with....but i did get everything i wanted ( I lived with my parents, and my grandparents ), the only problem with this is i seem to have no value of money....I'm getting better apparently according to my husband (his dad is an accountant and he has a brother)..but i used to spend money on my credit card and my grandad used to pay for it....so i could take £100 and when i came home from shopping it would be gone...i knew i spent it, but i wouldn't be able to tell you what i brought....

I am better with money now....so good I'm about to get a mortgage lol

Answer 10

I'm not an only child (although, often, growing up, I wished I were!) but here is something to think about:

When parents only have one child and later in life, when the parents are old and there is only one child to take care of them (if something doesn't happen to that child), that is a huge burden to place on one child. At least when parents have a couple of kids, the adult children can share the burden. I use the term burden here, but taking care of our elderly parents should be considered a gift. Our parents took care of us when we were unable to take care of ourselves, it is only fair that we in turn take care of our parents should the need arise.

Just food for thought.

Goddess Bless our Senior Citizens and the families that help to take care of them!