I have five siblings, and we have good relationships, but I never got much attention. My parents are good people, but who can possibly give six people adequate attention? I never wanted my kid to experience that. But at least they didn't favor my brother for being male.

What they're really saying -

Jealousy is definitely a factor. Especially when people realize that the parents of onlies have careers and experience parenthood with fewer sacrifices.

I've thought a lot about it and, if I do have a child, it will be an only child. I used to be in the "but will they grow up properly adjusted" boat, but I'm also constantly reminded of how many issues I have with my siblings (though I love them). Having siblings is not a guarantee of a glorious, well-adjusted…

"So, you don't like being a mother?"

People are nuts and I think only children are awesome! They're well-behaved and they know how to talk to adults, and you get so much of the social stuff/playmates/etc at school. At least in my experience with relatives and the kids I've babysat.

I empathize strongly with the childless by choice, because I've been so badly treated for having an only. Among the comments I used to receive when our kid was younger:

I'm a parent. I did not have kids because I thought it was the right thing to do for the world. I had kids because I wanted them. It's probably the most selfish thing I ever did. Now that they are here I do unselfish things for them. But the having of them was definitely all for me.

I'm not sure. She's a weird lady, that's for sure, but she makes my dad happy, so whatever. Let me tell you that there's nothing weirder than getting a step mom when you're 52. Apparently, I have step siblings too, but my curiosityfactor = 0.

My stepmom always wants her steaks well done, her bacon charred and her toast utterly and completely black. She must look like a coal mine inside.

I doubt your story. "Think Panera but the food is pretty good." That's like saying "Think McDonald's but without the hamburgers, fries, or chicken mcnuggets" or "think Taco Bell but without the tacos" or "Think Waffle House but without the suicidal depression."

Yes and yes.

Are you suggesting that the basement fisting is immoral? Or are you saying it depends on how dirty that basement is?

Nah. I mean, the sex gets better from a skill point of view, but nothing beats that hormonal surge you have as an adolescent where just HOLDING HANDS feels fucking incredible. Remember how great kissing was?

Ditto.

40% of millenials aren't having enough fun :(

I think the culture just fosters this creativity because it values it.

Almost everyone has the Spectre of Regrettable Wang.

Literally every person on the planet has, at one time or another, a regrettable sexual encounter. And in time, it'll be a story from your youth you can tell your friends at parties and you all can laugh at how silly we all were years ago.