It Takes Two ....
I am an only child and have been perfectly happy with that situation since I can remember. I do not recall when I stopped asking for a sibling but it was when I was quite young. I am only child who has surrounded herself with twos. Like Marvin Gaye wrote "One can have a dream, baby, Two can make that dream so real".
I have 2 best friends, 2 fathers (mine and my Mother's husband), 2 Mothers (mine and her best friend), 2 uncles, 2 sets of cousins, 2 sons....seeing a pattern? I also find that I am a product of two different sets of cultures. I am European by birth and American by choice. I am at home and a visitor on both of these continents. It is duality that is the basis of many of my interests (travelling, foodie, New York phile, lover of arts, history/current events junkie - your call on which continent you think contributed to these, I already know) and also the foundation of who I am politically, spiritually, morally and emotionally. I still am fond of the moniker a friend of mine gave me years ago...Socialist Republican. I do not like not having choices, variety of opinions and the ability to use them in different situations.
My reality has always been that I am an only child and I do not know if it would have been better, worse or the same had I had sibling(s) but my life has been enriched by my 2s. I find, like all other, stereotypes about only children are rarely correct and that our behaviors are shaped by a host of external and internal factors. My friends have been the chosen siblings I never longed to actually have. I am an only, however, I have never been a lonely child.
I have 2 best friends, 2 fathers (mine and my Mother's husband), 2 Mothers (mine and her best friend), 2 uncles, 2 sets of cousins, 2 sons....seeing a pattern? I also find that I am a product of two different sets of cultures. I am European by birth and American by choice. I am at home and a visitor on both of these continents. It is duality that is the basis of many of my interests (travelling, foodie, New York phile, lover of arts, history/current events junkie - your call on which continent you think contributed to these, I already know) and also the foundation of who I am politically, spiritually, morally and emotionally. I still am fond of the moniker a friend of mine gave me years ago...Socialist Republican. I do not like not having choices, variety of opinions and the ability to use them in different situations.
My reality has always been that I am an only child and I do not know if it would have been better, worse or the same had I had sibling(s) but my life has been enriched by my 2s. I find, like all other, stereotypes about only children are rarely correct and that our behaviors are shaped by a host of external and internal factors. My friends have been the chosen siblings I never longed to actually have. I am an only, however, I have never been a lonely child.
Hey Juliana,
ReplyDeleteI am a friend of Dori's and stumbled upon your blog via her post on FB. Love the honesty of this and how you embrace duality. I also write a blog that addresses a few similar issues. Come visit my blog if you interested!
www.cookingwithjeanne.blogspot.com