When you're an only child, you become used to the "you're such an only child" comments.
I hate these comments; mainly because when pressed on them, most people can't explain what they actually mean. Are you saying I'm more selfish than you because I didn't have a brother or sister? Are you implying that I am more emotionally needy?
Let me make this clear: either one of those assumptions is complete, unfiltered bullshit.
As far as I can tell, the only major repercussion of my growing up as an only child is that I don't need to be constantly entertained or comforted by the presence of other people. Don't get me wrong: I love people. But, because I spent a lot of time alone when I was growing up, being alone just doesn't bother me like it does some people.
Recently I read an excellent article at BCC News entitled Population: The elephant in the room.
I love this article because of its candor. The hard, naked truth is that in the future everyone needs to have less children. Humanity has probably already overshot Earth's carrying capacity; and unless we decrease the surplus population, the environment will never recover.
It is my hope that in the near future, having more than two children (i.e. replacement rate for a couple) will come to be seen as a civically, socially, and environmentally irresponsible decision. Maybe then the ludicrous stigma against only children will be erased once and for all.
