Being the youngest in the family is a double-edged sword. Sure, it feels good to be the forever ~*baby*~ of the family, showered with affection— but that title also carries pitfalls that are often overlooked. From vying for attention to grappling with high expectations, the youngest sibling’s life isn’t always as idyllic as everybody says.

They’re stereotyped as the favorite or spoiled one

If us youngest siblings could get a penny every time we were called “spoiled” or the “favorite child” by our older siblings (especially when they’re upset over the slightest inconveniences) we’d be loaded. Those words are often used like ammunition in heated arguments to shush the youngest sibs, even when we’re raising valid points. How messed up is that? This brings us to our next point…

They become unwitting targets of resentment

Many older siblings love to project their unresolved grudges or insecurities onto their younger siblings. Often, we don’t even have any idea of what they’re mad about, and when we do, it’s usually just a fragment of a memory. It’s sad because the constant back-and-forth of past grievances is nothing but an exhausting game where nobody wins.

They inherit ALL the hand-me-downs

Although there’s nothing wrong with hand-me-downs, many youngest siblings can attest that constantly getting them isn’t a good feeling. Why do the older siblings always get new stuff? Why can’t us bunsos have fancy things, too? Where do we fit in their parents’ priorities?

They have to deal with high expectations and comparisons

Now, this doesn’t apply to all bunsos, but if your older siblings are high achievers, high expectations just come with the territory. Suddenly, everyone now expects you to bring home trophies or medals — because if your ates and kuyas were able to do it, then why can’t you? These comparisons are neverending. Whatever your older sibs did in the past is now under your name to live up to or intentionally avoid. Think of it as a perpetual “Sibling Olympics.”

They have less authority and influence

In traditional family dynamics, those born ahead are automatically expected to receive respect from their younger siblings. So it just follows that the youngest siblings find it hard to be taken seriously. And because they’re viewed as the baby of the family, many bunsos are led to doubt their abilities and hesitate to express their thoughts openly.

They get little to no privacy

Picture this: you’re old enough to have your own bedroom, but you still have to share it with another sibling because you’re the youngest. There’s also the endless snooping on your personal stuff without permission as if privacy is a myth. You’re expected to disclose everything to the family, and any attempt to keep some private matters under wraps paints you as the black sheep.

They find it difficult to assert independence

For lastborns, independence is as elusive as a pot of gold at the rainbow’s end. Sometimes, it feels like no matter how much they try to prove they’re old and mature enough to make decisions, the family still views you as a pint-sized family mascot. And heaven forbid you try to move out, because that’ll leave the house in shambles.

They are bound by more stringent rules

Youngest siblings have a rich history of dealing with and breaking house rules. We get it, okay? We’ll always be the baby of the family, and these rules are meant to protect us from the harsh world. But when you’re already an adult, being expected to submit to your family’s every whim is just unfair and restrictive – especially when your older siblings get away with almost everything with no consequences. Nobody deserves to feel caged in their own home.

How many of these can you relate to?

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