Only child and judgement from others

[BookerCharted]

Whenever I tell anyone I’m an only child I seem to get judged. It’s like it’s assumed I always got what I wanted growing up (certainly didn’t) and I’m then looked at in another way. I’m a perfectly balanced individual who goes through troubles like anyone else. If anything I only have myself to rely on as I’ve only one parent left and they’re elderly. I’ve not much in the way of family and do struggle with anxiety, so my life is far from perfect.
Why do people make these assumptions that I’ve had it easy? How would you respond? Any advice welcome, thanks Kay

In what way do you think you are judged? Has anyone ever made a comment?

Unfortunately some people will judge you no matter your circumstances. They'll judge your appearance, your accent, your age, your education and so on.

I don't know why you keep having to tell people about being an only child but I would keep it to yourself if it bothers you. I can't remember the last time I told someone I have siblings.

Yes I’ve received negative comments both to my face and behind my back. Also in the way they treat me.

@username2377 I don’t tell anyone unless they ask me. What am I supposed to do, lie?

I wasn't clear. I meant that I don't understand the circumstances as to why it keeps coming up. But you don't have to answer the question unless it's essential for background information. If I don't want to answer a question, I change the subject.

It doesn’t keep coming up, it’s when it comes up…it’s always the same judgement and I can’t understand why this is. It’s very hard to change the subject when someone asks you a question, I’m sure you must understand this.

I am the only child and tbh I feel it’s great my parents had only me as they provided a lot (private school, a lot of travel, good clothes etc.). If I have siblings, I would live less nice life. It’s amazing when parents can have more than one kid but what is greater if they do not have a lot of kids because of society pressure and follow the rule of having as much children as they can afford.

I understand exactly what you're saying so please ignore pp who is just being awkward. It's not unusual when chatting with people (say at work or new friendships or whatever) that they will ask if you have siblings. And I have to be honest and say I did definitely used to judge when I was younger and just assume you would be spoilt. There definitely used to be a stigma attached. I feel this is changing as so many people around me now are choosing to have a just one child and I'm realising that actually those who were only children have usually got far better mental health and better relationships with their parents (again stereotyping of course) and actually I now envy them! I assume they will be a more balanced and healthy person.

People will always use info about you to make snap judgements. If it wasn't your family life it would be something else. And yes they may be well be totally wrong, but also you do need to acknowledge that growing up with siblings is completely different. Having your parents time attention and resources divided is a disadvantage whatever way you look at it, but of course comes with a set of advantages such as a positive sibling relationship if you're lucky and support when parents are elderly. You acknowledge the benefits of it having siblings so it's fair to acknowledge the flip side (he disadvantages), as you seem to brush past this. Which as someone with siblings I could say feels just as frustrating as you might find it for people to look past how hard it was to be only child.
In general I would say it's best to accept that people will judge but you know the truth and that's all you can do.