I was a middle child but also an only son, so I don't think I experienced the so called "lost in the shuffle" part of it. I probably possess some of the classic middle child traits, but I don't really buy the whole theory that birth order is determinant to one's personality. There are many factors that affect your life, parenting, economic status, wider social influences, school experiences, physical development, membership in dark ritualistic secret societies. I'd rate birth order only just slightly ahead of Horoscope as a descriptive tool for looking at character.

Middle children seem to be pretty good socially, as they're used to dealing with older and younger siblings, but they can often be somewhat annoying as they seem to crave attention, and can get a little out of control when they gain some authority.

I'm a middle child, and I can understand the idea of getting looked over to some extent. I didn't have a rough time or come out messed up, but I definitely was the comedian in the family, always try to get a laugh for attention. That type of behavior carried over into school when I was younger, and I got into a bit of trouble in elementary school with my behavior. As I came in to adolescence I lost all of the acting out behavior, but was still somewhat of a clown. However, I felt a natural pull to be somewhat of a family mediator. Being in between two siblings on either side of me, I was used to seeing things from both perspectives. When one of my siblings would complain about my parents, I was likely to explain my parents point of view. When talking with my parents I was likely to try to sway my parents towards my siblings view.
As the middle child I didn't have a clear identity as the "baby" or the "leader." I could understand both perspectives and always tried to keep peace between the family. I work as a therapist/counselor, so this seems to have effected how I approach life on a large scale.

My sister is close enough to my age for me to never recall being anything but a middle child. Combine that with my two brothers always being after each other and I've had to be a clown my whole life to get attention, but I'm cool with that, I guess.

My parents had an even number of children, so I am neither the oldest, youngest or stuck in the middle. Just as well, if it is true what they say: The oldest are bossy, the middle ones f@#ked up and the youngest spoiled--then I am glad I don't have a label. :D

I'm a middle child and turned out great. I'm better, smarter and cuter than everyone else in the family, plus I have more hair than my older brother...(PS. If any of them is reading, particularly mon frère, this was all said in jest, what time is lunch next Sunday?)

When reading the comments left by the oldest child you can almost feel the arrogance and defiance in their words i.e. bossiness, having their own way. Being the middle child has been a blessing,as my mom once said I never had to worry about you, it wasn't that I was ignored but supported in a way which they never questioned my abilities to do things. I surmise being left to my own recognizance I became more confident and independent. My parents had their hands full with my two older twin brothers. Lots of times people think I'm the oldest I believe its because I'm more centered and not as emotional or spoiled. I am the typical middle child if there is such a thing; I put other people's needs before mine, mediator and try to get along with everyone. Since I've done well in many of my endeavors or the confidence to even try to undertake some of the task others could not imagine has lead to some jealousy in my family, but if it motives my brothers then its fine... spoken like a true middle child.

Good grief, I was a miserable kid being the middle child. It took years of couseling as an adult to come to terms with not having any affection or told I was loved. I still have nightmares. My mother still doesn't have a clue what she did to me. I cannot think of any happy memories.

I am the middle child and it is not fun. Everyone seems to notice my siblings and never me. My parents mean well but my sister and brother always has their attention. I am the stereotype of a middle child and it is not fun.

i feel great and thankful being middle child. with that hard emotional stuff i can learn quite great things about the ups and downs of life and everything. guys.. i know how hard to be the middle child, but u know what?! u guys blessed ; ) enjoy..

I'm a middle. I seem to fit the stereotype, too, since I am often the conflict-resolver and psychiatrist wherever I go. I'm glad my parents got to practice on my sister first.

I think that, in general, middle kids get lost in the shuffle. Not given the respect or authority of the oldest and not pampered like the youngest. They either become grounded and well-adjusted since they are allowed to go their own way most of the time... or they act out because they're ignored.

A good friend of mine back in high school was one of the few middle children I knew. She seemed miserable - always trying to live up to her older sister's high school popularity. I think she had what might be termed the Jan Brady Complex. She was very bright and witty though and I never totally understood her lack of self esteem. I also have a younger cousin who is a middle child. She ended up being much more like Coizinha's description - very calm, well adjusted and fun to be around. Just depends on the genetic code I guess.

Tipically the most grounded, patient and low-key of the siblings.