Growing up, I was the only girl and the middle child, but I never realized back then that there were things you can get away with as the only girl. I adored my brothers tremendously and was well protected by my older brother, who beats me by eight years. At the same time, I did have responsibilities as an older sibling to my baby brother, who is three years younger. However, it didn't take away from the fact that I benefited from special treatment here and there. If this sounds familiar to you, then you may relate to many of the things you can get away with as the only girl.
Yes ladies, I used to torture my little brother by dressing him up in my little princess dress when I was 5 years old. I also would make him wear dress shoes, lipstick, and clip-on earrings. Sadly, there are even photos to prove it. You can't blame me though, because I didn't have any sisters. My little girlfriends would visit me sometimes, but what was I to do when they weren't there? If you've ever done this, even if dad may have been the victim, then you experienced one of the many things you can get away with as the only girl.
When you're the only girl, sometimes you become way too comfortable with interfering in your brothers' space—especially when they have guy friends over and want you to stay out of the way. I used to want to be included when they played video games or went out to the park to shoot around. I recall my older brother telling me a few times to stay out of his room, but for the most part he didn't mind. When your brother(s) genuinely loves you, they'll tolerate your pestering ways.
However, there are those golden moments when the dreaded "No Girls Allowed" sign seems to magically disappear. Suddenly, you’re learning the cheat codes for the latest Grand Theft Auto and being treated like one of the guys. It's a weird privilege to sit among them, understanding their jokes and even being asked for input on their game strategies. Though they’d never admit it out loud, sometimes they needed that extra player and who else but their 'cool' sister to fill the slot. Their friends start to see you as an honorary member of the crew, and you can't help but feel a bit victorious.
If you're the only girl or know how it feels to have a big brother in general, then you may have experienced this as well. I'm sure most of us have used this line before to ward off a bully: “I'll get my big brother on you.” I used this saying to my advantage plenty of times as a young girl. Even as I started to step into womanhood, I realized that I didn't have one father, but three! When I started dating, my brothers acted like they had to be my bodyguards when it came to another man wanting my heart. Thus, I'm happy that I'm cared for by such protective men.
Indeed, this protection can verging on stifling at times. The incessant interrogations about where I’m going and with whom can be exasperating – like living with a trio of overzealous secret service agents. But despite the occasional eye-roll on my part, I know that their incessant vigilance stems from a place of profound love. Navigating the waters of independence becomes a delicate dance between asserting my autonomy and respecting their intentions. Albeit restrictive, their presence is like a looming fortress, guarding against all conceivable threats – a testament to an unspoken bond that's unyieldingly strong.
When you're the only girl, you're obviously the only one (other than your mom) experiencing a menstrual cycle once a month. So, you may experience more compassion and understanding from your brothers. On the other hand, you may be so moody that it gives them a reason to stay far away from you. I even remember making my father and older brother go to the store to restock on pads. This is definitely one of those things you can use to your advantage and there's nothing they can do about it.
Sure! You might also notice that your brothers are extra protective of you, especially during those days when you're not feeling your best. They could go out of their way to make sure you're comfortable, even if it means watching a marathon of rom-coms in solidarity—or from a lack of options. It's like your own personal band of bodyguards who are suddenly interested in the difference between winged and non-winged pads. And when the house ironically runs out of chocolate? Well, let's just say they've learned that's when a speedy convenience store run is absolutely essential.
Girls just want to have fun—and shopping is one of the ways to do that. My mom and I used to have girls' night out to get away from the boys, and we would sometimes go to the mall after getting our hair done. My father used to insist that we stop shopping so much, but it was our bonding moment after a long week of attending my brothers' basketball and baseball games. When one of them wanted to tag along, they impatiently wandered around for hours until we finished our shopping trip. If you're a shopping fanatic like me, then you know that this is just one of those hobbies most guys can't stand.
Most men know that they just can't win an argument with a female. Women tend to go on for hours and sometimes for days about the same topic! I think my brothers decided to just give up and let me win certain arguments because I was becoming a bit of a nuisance. On the other hand, maybe they respected my views so much that they didn't mind letting me have the upper hand. Plus, when a female is persistent about how she feels, they have no choice but to let us have the last word.
Additionally, it's not that our arguments are simply better, but rather our tenacity is second to none. Men are often outlasted by our incredible vitality in debates, conceding, not to our points, perhaps, but to our indomitable spirit. Honestly, it's not just about the content of the argument, but about how passionately and persistently we stand our ground. It's practically an endurance sport, where stamina is queen, and when it comes to holding onto that crown, we might as well have superglue on our heads.
I am a girlie girl for the most part, but I've noticed some tomboy mannerisms I may have picked up on as a young child. Whether it's slouching, burping out loud, wrestling, or sporting baller shorts all day, these aspects can be heavily associated with growing up as the only female in the family. Although you can learn these habits from other environments, brothers can absolutely have a more profound influence on you as a person. Being the only girl doesn't take away from your femininity, but allows you to choose freely who and how you want to be as you mature into a lady.
This list can also relate to those who have a lot of male friends and associates. What are some other things you can get away with as the only girl? Do you not like being the only girl in your family or in an all-male setting?