Only Child
As some of you know, I am an only child. When I was a little girl, my friends often envied me because I monopolized all the toys and sweets in the house. In return, I envied my friends who had brothers or sisters because they often followed and played with their siblings and other friends. Even today I sometimes wish I had brothers or sisters.
My father has an elder brother and a younger brother. They have a good relationship and sometimes visit each other. Once a year, they gather at the eldest brother's house and chat about their children, their jobs, and their boyhood memories over a couple of drinks. Whenever I see their gathering, I think having brothers or sisters is great when we grow up.
One of my best friends has an elder sister, and she often goes shopping, travels and eats out with her. She tells me that she can talk with her sister about her worries which are secret from her parents. Also, her sister is a good adviser for her.
I have wanted to have brothers or sisters since my childhood. Generally speaking, an only child is spoiled, selfish and unsociable, which may apply to me. For me, even a quarrel between siblings sometimes looks happy, although it might be frustrating for them.
I don't know what having brothers or sisters is like. What do you think about it? And if you have siblings, have you ever wished you were an only child?
Thank you for your comment, Ayumi-san. Yeah, when I was in elementary school, I often said that you were lucky because of the reason you suggested.
Anyway, you have a nephew already, don't you? He is named Toui-kun, isn't he? I was happy to hear that you have a good relationship with your brother and his wife. I hope you will treasure your brother forever...
This provides an interesting point of view about siblings - thank you for writing it. It's good for me to read, because I have an older brother and sister. I love them both very much, and they always took good care of me. But there were times when I wanted to be an only child, so that I could have the things that you mentioned.
However, I wouldn't trade my siblings for those things today- or for anything else. I love them too much.
Ayumi-san :: June 9, 2003 12:05 AM
I have one elder brother, who has been married for a year. I like him. I think I am happy to have a sibling now.
When I was in elementary and junior high school, I envied those who were an only child, because they could have all new stationery, bags, clothes and so on. I always quarrelled with my brother over trivial things.
I came to be friendly with him because he lived by himself; he went to Kyoto University. When he came back to the house, we always talked. He told me that Kyoto was a good place to go shopping, etc.
I like my brother. You want to have one or more siblings, don't you? Why don't you have two or three children in the future?