Even though I grew up in a loving immediate family, I'd have to admit, living far away from my grandparents and extended family did effect me. Most kids I went to school with had family that lived locally, but I had to travel to see my relatives, and that meant I got to see them on holidays or special occasions. I was quite devastated when I lost both of my grandfathers to cancer, because I got close to both of them, even though they lived far away. Occasionally do I see other family members.
I am an only child too. I longed to have a sister, but I had to learn to entertain myself. I pretty much established the fact that I was different from others because I didn't have siblings like most children did. My parents invested in my future and wanted the best for me. I was kind of independent in keeping myself entertained though. Thing is, while I bonded well with others, I had an unusual amount of imagination, and preferred to do "make believe" games, and was very sensitive and reactive when people didn't understand me... or didn't take what I said seriously enough. I got picked on because I was reactive, and liked my world of imagination, and was more intellectually curious than my peers. I had a lot of acquaintances, but enduring friendships were rare. I was known as the sensitive nerd, and I was not very popular in the least bit. I suppose this is where the romantic yearning came into play... when I yearned for people to accept me for the unique traits I had.