Why do people think I'm an only child?

[Anonymous]

I'm not but people that first meet me always assume I am.

i am the youngest out of 3. my brother is 6 years older, and my sister is 8 years older. I'm really close with my sister.

but when I'm on my own and meeting new people like at work or school, they assume I'm an only child.

why could that be? are there certain traits that stereotypical only children have? I know I'm a little odd but I don't know what is it that makes people think I'm an only child. should I be offended?

[Stacyzee]

People think that only children like to be to themselves, are probably

"spoiled", not used to being around people their own age etc.

at least that's the assumption I see a lot of people make.

[Asker]

interesting. I am pretty quiet and do like to keep to myself. I hang around with my sister alot. I started to hang out with her when I was about 11 and now I'm 21 and I still hang out with her. I had lots of friends my age when I was in elementary, up until high school too so I wasn't a complete loner. I did realize that it was harder to identify with them though.

now that I'm older, I don't have many friends my own age though. now I keep more to myself.

[Stacyzee]

So perhaps there's some accuracy.

That's pretty much why the assume that.

[Asker]

yeah. but I find it weird that they can spot that. it really got me thinking when my coworkers asked me that. I work in sales so I always have to be talking and smiling. I try to be outgoing. but I'm not. I just try to be really friendly. I didn't know my introverted tendencies were so obvious.

[Stacyzee]

Some people are good at observing others. Your coworkers probably have been around a lot of people that are only children, and they may have the same tendencies as you.

Being that you and your siblings were far a part in age, could be the reason why you operate that way.

[dollme777]

Sociology, and psychology says when you have sibling where the ages are far apart its almost like you are the only child. That probably why. So you come off as so without evening knowing it.

[Asker]

oh I see. this is very true. growing up, when I was at home, I would usually play by myself because my brother and sister were busy being teenagers and going out with their friends and all that. in a way, I do feel like an only child.

[dollme777]

Yes : ) Same with me.

[hsshannah96]

I have family friends who had twins but they thought they were “done” then they had another one... NINE YEARS LATER. If people saw their 10 year old, they’d probably think she’s an only child

[hsshannah96]

Sorry 7 years later, the twins are 17.