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‘It was a lot of responsibility’
Joanna Kingsley, 41, Nottingham
Growing up, I thought I was fine being an only child (despite having to develop the mind gymnastics needed to play Monopoly with myself…!) but, as I’ve aged, I’ve reflected on what it really meant for me.
I was close to my parents which was great, but being the sole focus was a lot of responsibility. Behaviour, school grades, relationships, career success – it all began and ended with me.
And, socially, being a shy young girl with my nose in a book, or playing teacher in front of a neatly arranged semi-circle of teddy bears, didn’t really do me any favours!
I grew into myself but, at 41, people still give me a shifty side eye when I…