The family context we're born into plays a large part in who we become. It's the nurture part of the nature versus nurture equation. Firstborn and Only children not only have parents to themeselves for a good period of time, but they may also bear the first-time stress and doubt of new parents. They're the guinea pigs, the first drafts, and the ones who are oldest and should "know better." If you're a firstborn or only, sharing this episode with your younger siblings or spouse might explain a lot about you!