Being an only child comes with its perks – no sibling rivalry, undivided attention, and, let’s be honest, the last slice of cake is always yours. But while we might have avoided the chaos of sibling spats, certain personality traits tend to give us away. If you recognise yourself in this list, congratulations, you might just be a textbook only child. What about me, I hear you ask. Guilty as charged!
1. Fiercely independent (but also a little bit picky)
When you grow up making your own fun, you get pretty good at it. Only children often thrive on independence, whether it’s tackling a project solo or planning the perfect day out (sans input from anyone else, of course). But let’s face it—we can also be a tad particular about how things are done. If you’ve ever had a “my way or the highway” moment, you know what I mean.
2. Comfortable in solitude (but with a social battery that depletes fast)
Spending hours alone as a child means we’re rarely fazed by the idea of solo activities. We can easily entertain ourselves, whether it’s with a book, a binge-worthy series, or just staring into space contemplating life’s mysteries. But put us in a crowded room for too long, and suddenly, a quiet corner with a cup of tea sounds far more appealing.
3. Mature beyond your years (or so you’ve been told)
Growing up around adults means you pick up their habits, their phrases, and, yes, their love for a good debate. Only children are often told they seem “older than their age” or that they were “such a well-behaved child.” (Translation: we had no siblings to blame things on.)
4. A slight tendency towards perfectionism
Without siblings to distract from our mistakes, only children often feel the pressure to get things right. Whether it’s school, work, or just the way a sofa cushion is placed, we like things just so. If you’ve ever rewritten a to-do list just because the handwriting wasn’t neat enough, you’re in good company.
5. Deep, loyal friendships (because chosen family is everything)
With no built-in best friend in the form of a sibling, only children put a lot of value on friendships. We may not have had anyone to share toys with (which, let’s be honest, was kind of great), but we make up for it by being fiercely loyal to those we choose to keep close.
