The Secret Dating Problems You Struggle With When You’re An Only Child

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I am used to being the center of attention. Whenever I enter a new relationship, I expect a lot of affection. If I text you, I expect you to respond as quickly as possible. If I need something, I expect you to drop everything in order to help me. I get jealous when my person glances at someone else for a split second too long because I do not like to share and I am used to getting what I want.

I crave constant attention on certain days — but on other days I want alone time. I am not used to socializing from the minute the sun rises until it sets. I am used to being left alone unless I reach out to a friend and invite them over.

When someone stays the night after a date, I feel uncomfortable, because they are invading my personal space. I hesitate to give out house keys and open invitations to drop over. I don’t want to give someone the right to walk into my home anytime they please. I like my privacy. I like my personal bubble.

I also like planning. In the morning, I have a bullet list of things I want to accomplish by the end of the day. I have set goals. I have an unchangeable schedule. The problem is that when I’m dating, things don’t always go as planned. My person might have other things in mind for the day or they might distract me while I’m trying to get work finished. They might throw my plans askew and pull me into something spontaneous, which drives me nuts.

I hold myself to a high standard. No matter how much I accomplish, I feel like it is never enough. That is why my standards are so high when it comes to dating. I don’t want to settle. I want to date someone who deserves me. Someone who will try their hardest to become a better person each and every day while I do the same. Some people call me too picky, but I call it knowing my own worth.

I am selfish. I only care about myself. I place myself first. I consider myself a priority. My parents taught me to look out for myself and that’s exactly what I do.

Sometimes, I can come across as demanding. I know what I want and refuse to stop until I get it, which can make me seem difficult, but I don’t mind. I am bold. I am blunt. I am unafraid of being called a bitch.

Strangely, at the same time, I am not good with confrontation. I have trouble receiving criticism. I want everybody to like me. When someone is mean to me, I take it personally. I think about their words for weeks afterwards. I am overly sensitive. I have a marshmallow heart.

Despite all that, growing up as an only child has made me independent from a young age. It has made me someone who can stand on my own two feet. Someone who might be a little difficult to date — but is entirely worth it.