Last night I was having the dreaded only child conversation with my semi-new crush/fling or whatever you choose to call it. I got the same sigh and the pause where they start to think about all those negative only children qualities that they assume I have all in matter of seconds. It seems harmless, but I know how people’s perception of me changes very quickly right after the big reveal. I’m accustomed to it. I have my standard I’m not spoiled and I know how to share speech all prepared.
I remember during my freshman year of college I would lie and tell people that I had an older sister; which I do. So, it’s not a complete lie but I don’t know her that well and can count on one hand with 2 fingers left over how many times we’ve actually shared the same space. I can’t even tell you her birthday. I know that’s she’s maybe 10 to 12 years older than me, has a husband and two small children, and lives about 20 minuets away from me. That is the start and end of our relationship. I’m fine with that.
Ok, I decided to take the high road and tell my crush/fling/whatever the truth.
Me: Well, I do have a sister. I just don’t know her at all, so I tell people that I’m an only child.
Crush: that’s hella rude.
Me: how so?
Crush: If I had a sister, I would acknowledge her even if I didn’t know her.
Me: What’s the point? She could be the mail lady for all I really know.
Crush: well you should try to get to know her.
Me; Why? I would have time to get to know her if I wasn’t busy trying to get to know you.
Crush: maybe you like the idea of being an only child because it gives you a green light to be an asshole.
Me: Maybe….
Then there was another long drawn out pause, this time it was the one where everyone had an attitude but didn’t want to be the first to hang up. Thank God my best friend was on the other line.
I was upset and said crush/fling/whatever for a second because I was sharing which is a hard thing for me to do in the first place. I wasn’t asking for any advice on my relationship matters. Then I sat and thought (big mistake).
I wondered if denying my sister is my own selfish way of remaining an only child?
It couldn’t be. If I claimed her or not, I would still be my mother’s only child. I don’t get it.
I’ve always wished for siblings but not this way. I think about our age it would be impossible to start a relationship that should have been fostered since birth. I don’t feel responsible for her. Not the way I’ve seen other siblings do it, and I know each relationship is different but even so. We have no roots, no tree, hell we don’t even have dirt, just the same shared genes.
Was my crush right, should I invest in a relationship with my sister?
Or…
Was my crush/fling/whatever being a nosey asshole? Was my way ok because it was working for me? Should I just go on as I am?
I hate when people throw me off my game!
Still at work and hating it and confused,
KD