I was an only child until I was 8, when magically, my mother became pregnant. My brother was born as a healthy child, and my sister followed a year and a half later. My parents were overjoyed to see our family expand so unexpectedly, and I enjoyed having a younger brother and sister.

I don't really have anything to complain about, but I will admit that my parents have not only loved me and cared for me every bit as much as their own biological children but have actually given me breaks and benefits that my younger siblings are not getting. Don't get me wrong: My parents are spectacular, even to my siblings. Yet I just somehow seem to know that they poured an extra helping of love over me as a child and that even continues today (I'm 20).

Due to this, I feel a touch of guilt, as I feel deep down they've loved me more or somehow deeper than I've noticed with my siblings. Should I ever bring this up to my parents? If I do, I think it may alleviate my guilt over this issue. — Feeling a Touch Guilty, via email

FEELING A TOUCH GUILTY: It would be better not to bring this topic up to your parents. If you do feel the need to discuss your feelings about this with someone, consider hiring a therapist.

Your parents obviously love you and your siblings deeply. You mentioned your perception of the minute differences you believe you've noticed. Don't forget that as an only child for so long, you received 100% of your parents' attention, especially at a time when they believed they could never conceive and that you would be their only child.

Later, two of your siblings arrived, and they also have been very well loved. Two things come up here: First, since you were already in school when they were born, you didn't see every tender moment that your parents experienced with them.

Second, your parents had their attention divided between three children, and logistically, the amount of time spent one-on-one with each of you had to be less. There are only so many hours in each day, and you likely are remembering how well you were cared for as an only child. Your siblings have had a much different upbringing in a much different household.

You are also being dealt with now as an adult, and there are indeed privileges and depths of connection that you are presently engaged in that your younger siblings are still a bit immature for due to their ages. Overall, as you've stated, your parents have been spectacular for all three of you. Don't introduce anything that has the potential to disrupt that harmony. I trust if you do feel you need an outlet at some point, you can find excellent professionals to help you.

I THINK MY MOM IS JUST TRYING TO SCARE ME

DR. WALLACE: I have a habit of wearing sunglasses indoors, especially as summertime arrives. I don't do this in the winter or late fall, for example. For me, it's a seasonal thing, and I feel it makes me look pretty cool for a 16-year-old.

My mom says that if I wear sunglasses for hours and hours inside our house and then go outside wearing them, then they will lose their effect and won't protect my eyes anymore. Is this true? I think she's way off base here and she just wants me to stop wearing sunglasses indoors for some other reason. — Love My Cool Shades, via email

LOVE MY COOL SHADES: If your "shades" have ultraviolet-blocking filter coating directly applied to the lenses, then you should be fine both indoors and outdoors. This is the protective element you need.

However, untreated sunglasses can allow in more of the sun's harmful rays that over time may lead to vision problems. Be sure to carefully check the specifications on the sunglasses you wear to learn exactly what protections they offer. If you are still not sure, check with your local optometrist and get a quick eye exam to ensure your peace of mind.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. Email him at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

Photo credit: Alicia Petresc at Unsplash