Musings on being an only child
I've been reading the book "Only Child: writers on the singular joys and solitary sorrows of growing up solo," a collection of short stories by different authors reflecting on growing up without siblings. I didn't personally relate to much in the book, it was more or less either appreciating the writing styles or interested in aspects of other people's childhood. But I did somewhat relate to this little quip by Sara Reistad-Long:
"Today, I play myself bolder and braver than maybe I am. A friend once called me the "ultimate activity partner" because, in her words, I'll try anything once, usually twice, and always in heels. But I'm afraid of stupid things, like stairs without railings. I have an easy time making, and keeping, friends. But I sometimes, suddenly, become shy and unsteady, even around those closest to me. Like nearly every other only child I've met, I prefer to be alone. However, I fear loneliness with a wild, pawing agitation."
There's the great line of trying anything once and always in heels (love that!), the rest also fits me pretty well. I've always easily made friends, I love trying new things and have weird fears like heights, singing solo in front of people, possibly others. I tend to disagree with thinking I prefer to be alone, because truly I would prefer to be around other people, but I am just fine being by myself. I just ultimately prefer it to be in small time chunks. Today I sent Jason off to an out of town wedding with a friend where I could have gone, but in the end declined. I have the whole day to myself, I have lots of things I can do, books to read, a few movies to watch, tentative plans with a friend, a bike ride, and I'm OK with it. And I'm really looking forward to when he gets home.
A lot of stories in the book were depressing; people either being totally smothered by their parents, or raised as some sort of mini-adult rather than able to be a kid, or begging for a sibling and feeling unfulfilled having not had one. None of that fits me. I also am not codependent on my parents and never have been, I certainly don't phone home every day. My mom usually has to call me! I guess everyone's experience is different. Jason teases me on my need to understand sharing and deepen my awareness of other people, which to his credit, is sometimes true.
Anyway, here's to a long Saturday filled with whatever I want!
"Today, I play myself bolder and braver than maybe I am. A friend once called me the "ultimate activity partner" because, in her words, I'll try anything once, usually twice, and always in heels. But I'm afraid of stupid things, like stairs without railings. I have an easy time making, and keeping, friends. But I sometimes, suddenly, become shy and unsteady, even around those closest to me. Like nearly every other only child I've met, I prefer to be alone. However, I fear loneliness with a wild, pawing agitation."
There's the great line of trying anything once and always in heels (love that!), the rest also fits me pretty well. I've always easily made friends, I love trying new things and have weird fears like heights, singing solo in front of people, possibly others. I tend to disagree with thinking I prefer to be alone, because truly I would prefer to be around other people, but I am just fine being by myself. I just ultimately prefer it to be in small time chunks. Today I sent Jason off to an out of town wedding with a friend where I could have gone, but in the end declined. I have the whole day to myself, I have lots of things I can do, books to read, a few movies to watch, tentative plans with a friend, a bike ride, and I'm OK with it. And I'm really looking forward to when he gets home.
A lot of stories in the book were depressing; people either being totally smothered by their parents, or raised as some sort of mini-adult rather than able to be a kid, or begging for a sibling and feeling unfulfilled having not had one. None of that fits me. I also am not codependent on my parents and never have been, I certainly don't phone home every day. My mom usually has to call me! I guess everyone's experience is different. Jason teases me on my need to understand sharing and deepen my awareness of other people, which to his credit, is sometimes true.
Anyway, here's to a long Saturday filled with whatever I want!