Birth order: what yours might say about you

Anyone who has brothers and sisters, or even just one of either, will know that siblings can be remarkably different. Despite having the same parents and largely the same childhood environment, sometimes they can be as different as people who aren't related at all.
Why is this?
The order in which you were born contributes significantly to your personality. Many studies have been done on birth order and some generalisations can now be made about its impact.
Keep in mind that these are generalisations and overlaps can occur. Blended families, age gaps between siblings and gender differences all put their own special colour into the mix.
The key reason why siblings are so different comes down to a case of survival strategy. Competing for their parents' love and attention, it makes sense for siblings to develop characteristics that distinguish them from the ones who arrived earlier.

The first-born child
Children born first in the family have both the privilege of being the eldest and the disadvantage of having inexperienced parents. They are the only children in the family who bask for a time in the adoring glow of their parents' undivided attention. This can be either an advantage or a disadvantage, but generally will contribute to a sturdy self-esteem.
Any children who come next will have parents who are more confident and relaxed about their parenting, and this is likely to free those children in turn from being worriers themselves.
First-born children often tend to be quite conscientious, high-achieving, responsible and able to assume leadership roles. They are the ones most like their parents, who maintain their parents' values. If they have younger siblings, they are also likely to be nurturing and protective.
Of course, only children are also first-borns, so they share these characteristics as well as some that come from not having experienced the rough and tumble of daily life with siblings. For a start, they have less need to control others.
Sensitive to criticism (like other first-borns), only children can also find it hard to realise a person who is angry now can be your best friend again later.

Latter-borns
While individual characteristics can be attributed to both middle and youngest children, they also have some characteristics in common just by not being first-borns. These younger siblings tend to be more adventurous and more likely to question the status quo. Throughout history, they have been the people who have made the scientific breakthroughs, discovered new worlds and challenged the conventional wisdom of their day.

The middle spot
Children in the middle miss out on the feeling of being special that comes with the privileged eldest position or the precious 'baby of the family' place. At the same time, they are the only ones who know what it is like to be both a younger sibling and an older one. This tends to make them empathetic people who are able to adapt well and get along with all types. They can be good negotiators and diplomats.
Middle children might be a bit confused about their identity and importance in the scheme of things. They are often quite different to the other children in the family, even in terms of physical appearance, as a means of attracting attention.
It is sometimes said that in families of four children, the third child will take on the characteristics of a middle child.

The last-born
Many people who are the youngest in their families continue to look young and display child-like qualities well into old age. They have the easiest route through childhood in some ways, in that there is always someone there to help and advise them, but this can have the disadvantage of preventing them from becoming fully independent. They often choose older spouses, possibly as an unconscious way of guaranteeing continued support.
The youngest never have to deal with being displaced in their position. They tend to be charming, free-spirited types who often go into creative fields.

Not better or worse
It's important not to get caught up in thinking one birth position is better than another. They all have pluses and minuses. The aim is to have compassion for yourself and others and understand how your different positions influence how you interact.