Spoiled? I don’t think so. My friends say that I’m lucky to be an only child, not having to fight with a brother or sister all the time. Others, however, say that it can get lonely.

I guess it’s not that bad, getting almost everything that you ask for and never having to share with a little brother or sister. I got an iPod Touch couple of months ago-around the same time my friend did too. The only difference? She has an older brother. Luckily for me, I don’t have to share mine with anyone.

Not having an older sibling also means not being compared to their achievements and having the constant pressure to be as responsible as them. Sure it gets boring at times, but that just lets me work on my extra-curricular activities, and study for upcoming tests.

And the best part is that I don’t get punched very often. I’ve seen my friend and her brother fight. It’s painful for both of them and they never get anywhere with it. I’ve yet to see them compromise on something. No compromising for me—I always have my way.

Usually whenever I accomplish something, my parents treat me to a Barnes and Noble shopping spree, some games for my Wii, or maybe some new clothes; but sometimes, it doesn’t feel like I deserve all these gifts.

Sure, I did well in some subjects and won first place in some music competitions, but these accomplishments seem too trivial for all that I’m given.

When I visit my family in Austin, my little cousins always bicker over minor things like who get the Wii controller first, what type of ice-cream to get for dessert, and who gets to pick out the movie to watch in the evening; Barbie in Swan Lake vs. The Italian Job (Swan Lake won). I know that I should be trying harder to prevent their fights, but they are pretty amusing to watch and really make me appreciate being an only child.

I fortunately can think of a few disadvantages of being an only child. There’s no one to play with on a rainy day, help me out vote my parents about where to go on the weekend, and no one on my side when arguing with them. Plus, nobody can help me study for an upcoming test or on my homework if my parents are busy.

But at the end of the day, I appreciate all that comes along with being an only child. And fine, I’ll admit it…I am spoiled.