PERSPECTIVES: What’s It Like Being an Only Child?

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Perspective

What’s It Like Being an Only Child? Here’s My Honest Take

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear someone say they’re an only child? Do you think, “Wow, lucky you!” or maybe feel a bit envious and say, “I wish I were you”? Some people are genuinely curious about what it's like, while others might assume life is easier for us. Honestly, being an only child can seem easy from the outside. Sure, some of us might get spoiled, but that’s not always the case. Let’s not jump to conclusions. Since you’re here, let me share what it’s really like from my perspective.

Like everything else in life, being an only child has its ups and downs. I’ll do my best to explain, though I probably won’t cover it all.

First of all, I’ve grown up to be very independent. I’d say I’m self-reliant and far from spoiled. Personally, I’ve really enjoyed being an only child. I got all the love and attention from my parents, especially my mom. I never had to share it with a sibling, which felt pretty special. My childhood was amazing. I still remember how hard my mom worked just to buy me nice clothes. She loved dressing me up because she thought I was cute, and hey, who didn’t think they were adorable as a kid? Haha. If you have older siblings, I bet you’re familiar with the whole “hand-me-down” situation, right?

Another part of being an only child is knowing that I’ll be the one to carry forward everything my parents have worked for. That includes the good stuff, like investments and property, but also a lot of responsibility. Sometimes it feels like being handed a big package with no manual. Some parents place really high expectations on their only child, like in those family dramas, because they want them to succeed. My mom, even as a single parent, has always done her best to provide for me and push me toward a bright future, especially encouraging me to invest wisely. But let’s be real: if you’re not into business, it might feel more like pressure than privilege.

A friend once told me, “You’re so lucky to be an only child.” I smiled, but deep down, I knew it’s not always that simple. Sure, I’ve had a lot of advantages, but I’m also the only one who will care for my parents in the future. Sometimes I wonder, what if I get married and move abroad? Who will take care of my mom and everything she’s built here? If it were up to me, I’d bring her along wherever I go.

As an only child, everything falls on my shoulders. Every responsibility, every decision. That’s why I often think, if you have siblings, be thankful, you can share those duties and support each other. But for someone like me, I just have to stay strong and do my best to make it all work.

So, that’s a little glimpse into my life as an only child. It’s not better or worse, just different.

Warm regards :b