RP254 Birth Order

 RP254 Birth Order

One: reliable, controlling, high-achieving. Two: sociable, rebellious, peace-making. Three: fun-loving, self-centered, uncomplicated.

The list above shows traits many psychologists think are shared by people born in a particular order in their families. Birth order, they believe, has a huge impact on our personalities. It influences the people we become and maybe even the people we marry.

First-borns, according to this theory, are natural leaders and high achievers. They may have a sense of superiority, and they can be aggressive in following their goals. They can also be intimidating and moody.

Middle children? “The one thing you can bet your paycheck on is the firstborn and second-born in any given family are going to be different,” says psychologist Dr. Kevin Leman. Second-born children often define themselves against their older siblings. They often value keeping the peace at any price and are able to see both sides of problems. Middle children are often great listeners, but they may become too dependent on pleasing everyone around them.

The baby of the family is often the most social. They love people and make friends easily. They love fun but can get bored quickly and want to move on to the next fun thing. This trait can turn into being self-centered.

Only children are the most similar to first-borns. They are very organized, high-achieving, and responsible, but their own quest for perfection can make them unforgiving of others' flaws.

Some studies research what birth orders are attracted to others. Some show that we tend to flock together—first-borns with first-borns, middle children with middle children, etc. Others show that first-borns and last-borns, and only children and middle children, are common and successful combinations. Think about how your friends and your siblings behave, especially the actions that confuse you. Perhaps knowing their birth order can help you understand them.