Can you tell when someone is an only child as an adult?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The only time I ever noticed was when I went on a weekend with my friend, and I forgot my toothpaste, so I asked to borrow some. She let me, but then she also let me know that the front desk would also have toothpaste i could get from them... which... I mean, yes, but it was just surprising to me. But I get it, it is a personal care item.

I'm a middle and HATE sharing my food, even with my husband. I mean, if I get a snack and he wants to eat several bites, it drives me nuts.

These are super inconsequential things. I don't think it seriously matters.

Why is that surprising? I would gladly give you toothpaste, but also tell you that it's available at the front desk so that you don't have to ask me again and run back and forth to my room every time you want to brush your teeth.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As adults no but as children yes. That whole 'not having to share' thing/not able to deal with other people in their things and generally better verbally.

Having said that, many things interfere with the 'only child' or birth order thing, such as learning disabilities or physical/mental health challenges, distance apart in age, etc.

I have a friend who is oddly invested in only child dynamics, so I pay attention to this stuff a lot. She thinks onlies are typically selfish and self centered. My only child is way more willing to share and pitch in and help compared to her kids. Her kids argue over every little thing being perfectly fair. They argue with me about picking up toys. I've noticed this with other kids, too. I just don't think it typically works out like the stereotype dictates.