The middle child has a reputation: Peacekeeper, conflict mitigator, easy going, adaptable, forgotten. (Only slightly kidding on the last one, but my family did, indeed, one day get on the freeway before we noticed my middle brother was *not* in the car with us.) Sure, they sound pleasant, but middleborns don’t necessarily bill themselves as take-charge material, if you know what I mean. They won’t be assertive and beat you down with the spreadsheet. Hell, they might not even have a plan. But honestly, this is their superpower. 

As I’ve previously reported, middle children are known for being patient and willing to compromise. These traits, combined with being easy going conflict mitigators, make them literal travel companion gold. These people know how to read a room, and they’ll adapt as the situation requires. If no one’s planning, they’ll make the itinerary (but on Google Docs—true story). If the spreadsheet’s already been planned (and is read-only), then they’ll make sure everyone stays on schedule while incorporating some impromptu stops along the way. Need a tiebreaker because the group can’t decide where to stop for a snack? The middle child can decide without ruffling any feathers. While they’re perfectly capable of stepping up to the plate, they don’t *need* to…and they’re perfectly game to be adventurous, so long as a youngest sibling is leading the way.

Time to call up those middleborn friends. Bon voyage!