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I can even switch which hands I'm doing each task with.

I decline to answer

[Gyrre]

Oof.
Figured I'd get the new thread started a touch early in the event of additional drama escalation.

I was originally going to ask whether dealing with someone who had youngest child syndrome or only child syndrome was worse, but that'd have required a disclaimer that I wasn't referring to the birth order hypothesis or using a blanket application of the terms to everyone who's an only child/youngest child, and was instead referring to interacting with those individuals who actually hit all of the negative hallmarks of both questionable syndromes in a supremely negative fashion. For example, my own younger brother (the youngest of us three) is lazy, incredibly narcissistic, manipulative, and a unashamed self-entitled mooch who literally throws fits when he doesn't get his way (he's in his thirties, BTW).

So I opted for this simple poll instead since I couldn't think of anything comic related that hasn't already been done and didn't amount to vague posting. I think of a better poll, I'll swap this one out.

EDIT: typo fixes and some typographical emphases (completely blanking on the word).
EDIT 2: Some slight rephrasing to hopefully eliminate some redundancies and maybe make things a little clearer. Yes, that is a long run-on sentence.

[Gyrre]

It should be pointed out that a great deal of research has been done to debunk both the birth-order hypothesis and the initial research about only-child syndrome.

BTW, turns out Jeff Bezos is the eldest child of his sibling set.

[Tova]

I'm also curious about people who boys grow up with only brothers vs girls who grow up with only sisters vs boys who grow up with only sisters vs girls who grow up with only brothers vs boys/girls who grow up with brothers and sisters.

[Gyrre]

I'm also curious about people who boys grow up with only brothers vs girls who grow up with only sisters vs boys who grow up with only sisters vs girls who grow up with only brothers vs boys/girls who grow up with brothers and sisters.

Oh! Good question.
I've just got two brothers, so there was a lot of fighting. ⃰ And, like most middle children, I had to play peacemaker a lot.

(click to show/hide)

  ⃰ Though there are admittedly a few confounding factors such as a familial history of anger-management issues on both sides, and my mother and younger brother both having an undiagnosed and unmedicated bipolar disorder. Our mother also never really worked through the trauma of her abusive childhood —mostly her bipolar father— which became all too apparent when he passed away. Speaking to both of our maternal aunts indicates that our mother was spared the brunt of it by virtue of being the youngest child, but it still messed the three of them up.

EDIT: From what I understand, a lot of it has to do with socialization in each case. Parents who allow their males sons to actually display emotions and work through them, seem to have more sympathetic and less violent boys according to some anecdotes I've read. Carrying out a proper long-term study for this sort of has several confounding factors and some ethical questions involved to boot, so it'd probably be difficult to do.

[Tova]

Well, I am the oldest of three sons. And I can tell you quite uncontroversially that the middle child of the three of us was the troublemaker, not the peacemaker.

There are a lot of interacting factors, as you say. In our case, the fact that the two younger brothers were much closer in age to each other than to me was a big part of the dynamic. The two of them fought a lot.

[pwhodges]

As a middle child myself, I was neither a troublemaker nor a peacemaker; if anything I was the most withdrawn of the three of us (and still am).

[BenRG]

It took me a while but, after watching Brent Spiner do it on an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, I became determined to master it!

[Gyrre]

Well, I am the oldest of three sons. And I can tell you quite uncontroversially that the middle child of the three of us was the troublemaker, not the peacemaker.

There are a lot of interacting factors, as you say. In our case, the fact that the two younger brothers were much closer in age to each other than to me was a big part of the dynamic. The two of them fought a lot.

Make no mistake that all three of us fought. I usually played peacemaker either out of exasperation or when my ungrateful younger brother was about to get himself hospitalized (usually figuratively, probably actually prevented it twice).

[jwhouk]

I'm an only child, but I'm not the firstborn of my family. Take that, Adler.

[cybersmurf]

I'm an only child, but I'm not the firstborn of my family. Take that, Adler.

Age gap can do that to you. Among other things, which I do not wish upon anyone.

[Gyrre]

I'm an only child, but I'm not the firstborn of my family. Take that, Adler.

Age gap can do that to you. Among other things, which I do not wish upon anyone.

Though, as I understand it from others, an age gap greater than 3-to-5 years is about the only way to get most siblings to act civil with each other (short of a very specific form of "hippie-dippie" parenting that still provides structure).

[questionablydiscontent]

Brun and Mille are so cute~

[St.Clair]

Well, I am the oldest of three sons. And I can tell you quite uncontroversially that the middle child of the three of us was the troublemaker, not the peacemaker.

There are a lot of interacting factors, as you say. In our case, the fact that the two younger brothers were much closer in age to each other than to me was a big part of the dynamic. The two of them fought a lot.

Same here, and it's one of those interesting nature-nurture questions (how might have things been different with a different birth order?), as the three of us are almost stereotypical.

I'm the Responsible Eldest, my middle brother is the ****-stirrer (he gets bored and starts poking things and people, though he's mellowed some lately - found a woman who'd put up with him, for one thing), and the youngest spent several years following the middle around (because he was lots more interesting than me, doing my quiet solitary stuff) but eventually figured out who he was, as an independent entity.  (And I'm proud and glad to know that person, separate from him being my brother.)

[Is it cold in here?]

I had thought that Brun would benefit from a companion like Momo but it looks like she already has a friend with a social protocol database.

[Zebediah]

Yeah, that’s definitely the rule and if you forget the dogs will remind you.

[shanejayell]

I SORTA can do it, but it's really awkward.

[Tova]

Yeah, that’s definitely the rule and if you forget the dogs will remind you.

Just one small reason out of many that these are tough times.

[Gyrre]

I SORTA can do it, but it's really awkward.

That's okay.
I can only reverse hands because I'm semi-ambidextrous and have years of video games under my belt.

[awkwardness]

I'm an only child, but I'm not the firstborn of my family. Take that, Adler.

Age gap can do that to you. Among other things, which I do not wish upon anyone.

Though, as I understand it from others, an age gap greater than 3-to-5 years is about the only way to get most siblings to act civil with each other (short of a very specific form of "hippie-dippie" parenting that still provides structure).

3 and a half years isn't enough to make my sister and I act civil to one another...ethen again she's hypercritical as a defense mechanism and I'm overly protective of family so it's a default that we clash regardless 

[awkwardness]

I had thought that Brun would benefit from a companion like Momo but it looks like she already has a friend with a social protocol database.

I think it's the other way around based on the previous strips, I think Mil is trying hard to be a good neighbor and nice to Brun but might be the one in this to benefit from getting to know someone just as socially awkward as her but without the AI benefit of the doubt...

[Gyrre]

I'm an only child, but I'm not the firstborn of my family. Take that, Adler.

Age gap can do that to you. Among other things, which I do not wish upon anyone.

Though, as I understand it from others, an age gap greater than 3-to-5 years is about the only way to get most siblings to act civil with each other (short of a very specific form of "hippie-dippie" parenting that still provides structure).

3 and a half years isn't enough to make my sister and I act civil to one another...ethen again she's hypercritical as a defense mechanism and I'm overly protective of family so it's a default that we clash regardless 

Everybody is different.

[awkwardness]

Yeah, that’s definitely the rule and if you forget the dogs will remind you.

Oh, so that's why dogs and I don't mix: I try to give them space and only approach when they are still and see that their caretaker isn't in trouble...

Plus I've only been around a couple of dogs for more than a few minutes in my entire 37 and a half years of life

[awkwardness]

I'm an only child, but I'm not the firstborn of my family. Take that, Adler.

Age gap can do that to you. Among other things, which I do not wish upon anyone.

Though, as I understand it from others, an age gap greater than 3-to-5 years is about the only way to get most siblings to act civil with each other (short of a very specific form of "hippie-dippie" parenting that still provides structure).

3 and a half years isn't enough to make my sister and I act civil to one another...ethen again she's hypercritical as a defense mechanism and I'm overly protective of family so it's a default that we clash regardless 

Everybody is different.

I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing that we are the exceptions to the rule...

[Penquin47]

On the other hand, my brother and I are eighteen months apart almost to the day (Mom tried but I just had to be stubborn and hang on past midnight...).  We fought, of course, but most of the time we were friends.

[BenRG]

I really, really think that Renee would be shocked beyond words to learn that she is the voice of all Brun knows about how to handle social interactions!

[Mr_Rose]

Yeah, that’s definitely the rule and if you forget the dogs will remind you.

Oh, so that's why dogs and I don't mix: I try to give them space and only approach when they are still and see that their caretaker isn't in trouble...

Plus I've only been around a couple of dogs for more than a few minutes in my entire 37 and a half years of life

Yeah, dogs are generally the most hyperactive gregarious five year olds you’ll ever meet, for most of their lifespan. That, together with most doggos not going to doggy college (aka obedience school) because most humans forget its even an option, means they never really develop an ‘off’ button. Especially when they’re already all keyed up from being in the park where there are always lots of new smells and people to go investigate and/or beg treats and pets from.

[comicalArchitect]

So, important question: does Millefeuille think this is a date? She’s blushing a bit in today’s strip, and that does seem like the exact kind of wacky misunderstanding Brun would get herself into.

[Perfectly Reasonable]

following social cues.

[Autistic Vulture]

So, important question: does Millefeuille think this is a date? She’s blushing a bit in today’s strip, and that does seem like the exact kind of wacky misunderstanding Brun would get herself into.

Millefeuille, IMO, thinks that this might be a date.  More importantly, Millefeuille, between her interactions with Clinton and Brun, is coming across as quite desperate...as in more desperate than I've seen anyone in this strip since Cosette before Steve.

It is likely that by the end of this week we will find out if Brun is interested in dating at all.

[dutchrvl]

I'm also curious about people who boys grow up with only brothers vs girls who grow up with only sisters vs boys who grow up with only sisters vs girls who grow up with only brothers vs boys/girls who grow up with brothers and sisters.

There are so many factors that come into play though....
For example, I am the youngest with 4 elder sisters and 2 elder brothers, but I'm also technically an only child.

And even if you grow up with elder siblings, the respective age differences can really affect how all social interactions and hierarchies develop.

[Tormuse]

Regarding Brun and Millefeuille, I don't know where this is going, but it's cute, and I like it. 

[Oenone]

Oof. If anyone seriously hurts Renee, emotionally or physically, Brun is going to be both devastated and PISSED. I like seeing how important Renee is to Brun, but that’s a lot of emotional eggs in one basket.

[Zebediah]

Comic’s up.

And to quote a comic from years ago: “That’s some heavy-handed subtext.”

[shanejayell]

Author: I'm no longer even sure if I'm doing subtext or not!

 

[jesslc]

I'm enjoying seeing more of Brun and how she experiences the world.   

It seems very likely to me that we're leading up to a couple of possible comic misunderstandings. Will it be caused by:
a) Millefeuille assuming that her and Brun are dating now
b) Elliot/Clinton hearing about Brun & Millefeuille going out for brunch after sleeping together
c) Elliot/Clinton hearing that Brun ate mille feuille (and they don't realise she's talking about the dessert)
d) all of the above

...I think I'll bet 5 internet cookies on d)

[BenRG]

It seems that Brun has a very difficult life all told. Things in her physical reality just don't generally work very well and she's been 'managing' rather than really thriving. I wonder if Millifeulle will be better able to empathise than organics because of the whole potential chassis mis-match issue?

Perhaps someone who knows more on the subject than me can say how typical is Brun's experience of what I'm guessing is some type of ASD? Still, at least all the good boys and girls definitely seem to like her!

[awkwardness]

I think the subtext that Geoff didn't know but was trying to get across is there are kindred spirits out there that have exactly the same feelings as you and might be able to help someone in need who just happens to be close by...

We just found out how Rokko will be helped, even if it'll take some finagling by Geoff to get the two together

[Cornelius]

I do have the feeling that they're both in need of making new, good, close friends. And perhaps of seeing the people in their life for what they can be. But then, who a m I to talk.

Also: *insert awkward, unfunny joke about heavy handed sub-text*.

[Gyrre]

I do have the feeling that they're both in need of making new, good, close friends. And perhaps of seeing the people in their life for what they can be. But then, who a m I to talk.

Also: *insert awkward, unfunny joke about sub-text*.

Jeph insists he's uncertain as to whether or not it's meant to be.

[Autistic Vulture]

Perhaps someone who knows more on the subject than me can say how typical is Brun's experience of what I'm guessing is some type of ASD? Still, at least all the good boys and girls definitely seem to like her!

There is very little time in which I am not stuck in my own head.  As far as the body being too much, not really, though in this case it might have more to do with being female rather than being autistic.

[Potato Farmer]

Lately I've been having moments where it feels like my body is more a vehicle I happen to inhabit than a true extension of myself. In particular when I'm talking with people in the physical world, as I realize that when they communicate with me they're looking at this physical face which to them represents me.

I don't actually dislike it but I agree with Brun that having a body is... weird.

[fearless_fool]

Re: 4242 Multilayered

Jeph says "subtext?"
I say "Innuendo and out the other..."

[Tormuse]

Perhaps someone who knows more on the subject than me can say how typical is Brun's experience of what I'm guessing is some type of ASD? Still, at least all the good boys and girls definitely seem to like her!

Speaking for myself, I've been sort of coming to terms with the realization that I'm autistic over the last few years, so I don't know if I can say how "typical" it is, but a large part of it can be summed up as a very generalized fundamental feeling of "there's something wrong with me."  Sometimes, this manifests as a weird contemplation of the strange absurdity of reality and existence, and sometimes, it manifests as everything, everything, everything, everything, everything running through my head all at once and I can't deal with it.

I don't know if that makes sense.  It is a concept and a feeling that is very hard to put into words.

[Potato Farmer]

Perhaps someone who knows more on the subject than me can say how typical is Brun's experience of what I'm guessing is some type of ASD? Still, at least all the good boys and girls definitely seem to like her!

Speaking for myself, I've been sort of coming to terms with the realization that I'm autistic over the last few years, so I don't know if I can say how "typical" it is, but a large part of it can be summed up as a very generalized fundamental feeling of "there's something wrong with me."  Sometimes, this manifests as a weird contemplation of the strange absurdity of reality and existence, and sometimes, it manifests as everything, everything, everything, everything, everything running through my head all at once and I can't deal with it.

I don't know if that makes sense.  It is a concept and a feeling that is very hard to put into words.

Reality is often absurd but I rarely consider it to be an error on my end, honestly.

[Perfectly Reasonable]

Dang.
Brün has dysphoria too?
Dang.

And now I'm  waiting for another prompting from Imaginary Brain Renée:
"Say Millie-- Wanna do brunch again tomorrow? Maybe try that French dessert?"

[Dinaverg]

I'm just putting the components out there and someone else can assemble them:
greg the dumptruck
mille's new dumptruck

[Theta9]

Re: 4242 Multilayered

Jeph says "subtext?"
I say "Innuendo and out the other..."

Groucho Marx once said "Love goes out the door when money comes innuendo."

[Stoutfellow]

Comic's up.

So. who is the Dog Whisperer, Brun or Emily?

[shanejayell]

Awwww.

Millie: "My hero!"

[Gyrre]

Perhaps someone who knows more on the subject than me can say how typical is Brun's experience of what I'm guessing is some type of ASD? Still, at least all the good boys and girls definitely seem to like her!

Speaking for myself, I've been sort of coming to terms with the realization that I'm autistic over the last few years, so I don't know if I can say how "typical" it is, but a large part of it can be summed up as a very generalized fundamental feeling of "there's something wrong with me."  Sometimes, this manifests as a weird contemplation of the strange absurdity of reality and existence, and sometimes, it manifests as everything, everything, everything, everything, everything running through my head all at once and I can't deal with it.

I don't know if that makes sense.  It is a concept and a feeling that is very hard to put into words.

Is the latter sometimes offset by periods of intense hyperfocusing?

I'm autistic and ADD (ADHD type whatever) and both of those happen to me, too.