Cousins: More than meets the eye!
I was an only child for the first 12 years of my life. There were several children on my street that I played with every day, but at night when I went home, I was alone. Most of the kids on my block came from a multiple-child household. I was envious as a child because I did not have brothers or sisters. My saving grace, however, was my cousins!
Cousins are the closest relatives to your brothers or sisters. Many may think that only children want siblings. However, according to Psychology Today, many adults who were the only child are happy (psychologytoday.com). Many only children had cousins growing up, so their cousins filled in the role of a brother or sister (psychologytoday.com). From sleepovers, family reunions, and playing in the water plug to dance parties, some of the best and most memorable moments may involve spending time with your cousins. Being an only child but having cousins can make childhood pleasant. They often are an integral part of life, with male cousins serving as brothers/ protectors and female cousins being best friends/sisters. Whether an individual is an only child or not, having a social life makes a difference (psychologytoday.com).
So, if you were an only child growing up and had terrific cousins who made childhood awesome, let them know you appreciate them! This article is an ode to all the cousins worldwide who were brothers, sisters, best friends, and secret keepers! You may, however, believe being an only child was the best thing. In either case, still show your cousins some love!
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