Having grown up as an only child, when compared to those who have siblings, there are many aspects of your personality and behavior that set you apart from others. Today, we talk about a few of these traits that you really can’t hide from anyone.
If you didn’t have siblings, you find comfort in solitude
A household with multiple children is never quiet. However, if you grew up as an only child, there would have been a lot more silence. When your parents were busy, there was no one else to entertain you, meaning you had to spend time alone. In adulthood, you’re probably comfortable being by yourself.
Strong independence is a trait of only children
According to Verywell Mind, only children are more independent. With no peers to depend upon, only children develop greater independence. When you have no siblings to share your problems with, you usually have to work it out by yourself. Only children tend to be self-reliant and capable of managing tasks without assistance.
Only children are usually more mature
Only children often seem more mature for their age, having spent a lot of time around adults. Most contact with peers was at school and social time was adults-only. Children who spend more time around adults tend to grow up quickly, as their childhood tendencies are not entertained as much.
A preference for older company can indicate you have no siblings
Since only children are typically more mature, you typically find people your own age a little immature. You probably feel more comfortable interacting with people older than you as they’re on the same wavelength. It is a common sign that you are the only child in the household.
A close relationship with parents is an indicator of being an only child
If you grew up as an only child, you’re probably extra close to your parents. With no siblings around, they had a lot more time to devote to you and were also your first port of call. Psychology Today says that only children have a stronger parental bond than families with multiple kids.
A lot of only children have high self-expectations
Children who grow up without siblings usually experience a lot more parental pressure than their peers with brothers and sisters. When there aren’t multiple children to spread the pressure around, parents often have high expectations. As a result, children are conditioned to place high expectations on themselves, which lasts into adulthood.
Attention to detail is common if you don’t have siblings
When you’re used to your activities and achievements being closely monitored, you often focus on the details. Although this is more commonly a benefit of being an only child, it can also mean that you are more critical as you zone in on the smallest things.
Perfectionism is common if you are an only child
Adults who were the only child in the family often strive for perfection, feeling the need to excel and meet high standards. It is normal to strive for excellence and to be overly critical of one’s own work. However, this can sometimes be a burden if it leads to excessive self-criticism and doubt.
An only child can be possessive
With no experience in sharing space, possessions, or even relationships with siblings, only children can be protective of their belongings. This is a result of not having to share much growing up. Even as an adult, it may still be difficult to share and not be possessive.
Only children have a strong imagination
Only children often have a vivid imagination cultivated through solo play and creative activities. The National Library of Medicine says that you probably had an imaginary friend and dreamt up magical scenarios. In adult life, this imagination leads to creative careers and hobbies where you can really showcase your inventive brain.
Adults who don’t have siblings can usually entertain themselves
Today, we have such a short attention span that we often seek outside stimulation. However, if you were an only child, you rarely had that outside stimulation as there were no siblings to keep you entertained. Because of this, you’re probably great at entertaining yourself without relying on others for amusement.
People who were an only child are sensitive to criticism
It’s common for people who are an only child to be more sensitive to criticism. People with siblings experience a lot of rivalry, which regularly includes insults and negative feedback. This helps develop a backbone but only children don’t have this experience and are often conditioned by parents to only receive positive feedback.
Only children thrive on structured routines
Only children are accustomed to a structured environment and, as adults, often mirror the routines set by their parents. Households with multiple children are often more turbulent, and routines regularly go out the window. People with siblings usually have a more ‘go with the flow’ attitude.
Direct communication is normal if you don’t have siblings
If you don’t have siblings, you’re more likely to communicate directly and clearly. Growing up, you often had more adult conversations than peer discussions, and your communication style will reflect this. You absorbed this from the people you interacted with who were older, wiser, and more open.
Focusing on personal goals is a priority for only children
Growing up without siblings, you don’t have to consider anyone else. Your parents’ full attention is on you with the time and energy to entertain your passions. In response, you’ll have become very goal-oriented, with a strong drive to achieve personal success and are used to no one getting in your way.
High academic achievement is a sign of being an only child
While high academic achievement is not exclusive to only children, it is often a sign. A lot of children without siblings excel academically, benefiting from undivided parental support and resources. This is also supported by more positive feelings about attending school, which commonly come from craving social interaction and stimulation.
Social anxiety is common if you didn’t grow up with siblings
If you grew up without siblings, your interaction and socialization were often restricted to school. Medical News Today says that only children usually lack social skills compared to those with siblings. Social situations are typically more difficult for only children, and as adults, many have social anxiety.
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