1. We are completely different.
When we were young, we had very similar interests and passions. We always spent our adolescent days coming up with things to do together. As we grew older, we drifted into different men. We had different beliefs, lived different lifestyles, and developed different passions. I had to learn to accept my brother. He was no longer the younger “carbon copy” of myself. He was his own man, who made his own decisions that he thought were best for him. It took me a while for me to adjust, even throughout high school. I used to judge every decision my brother made that I didn’t agree with. I was too caught up in my reputation and was afraid he would ruin it in some way. This was obviously completely selfish of me and a ridiculous thing to worry about. This caused A LOT of tension between us throughout our teenage years. I couldn’t tell you how many times we got into some pretty nasty arguments and fights because of different opinions. When I finally pushed away my pride I had as the older brother and started putting myself in his situations as best I could, that is when we grew stronger bonds. By just accepting who he is and by telling myself he is different than me, I realized he’s a huge support.
2. I look up to him more than he looks up to me.
As the older of the two, you would think the roles would be reversed. But as we grew older, I came to rely a lot on my brother’s words of encouragement and advice. I learned to humble myself and really listen to his words given to me about my various situations through his own experiences. We both have been through different hardships and trials in our lives, and I look how he has progressed as time’s passed. My brother NEVER gives up his own beliefs and lifestyle to somebody else’s. He has this attitude of being happy in his unique way, even when it sounds outlandish and crazy to others. He continues to work hard, be kind, and be happy every day. He’s shown me that no matter what life throws at you, there is no reason to give in to the world and be like everyone else. That there is no legitimate reason to give up on your seemingly insane aspirations of life. My brother is far from perfect, but in many cases he’s more perfect than I.
3. He will always have my back when I need it.
Despite our many differences, I know I can count on my brother when I need his support. No matter what he thinks of my situation, he is always willing to listen and take my side. He reveals his kind heart and good intentions. We could be at complete odds with each other, but he would drop our differences in a heartbeat to help me in any way he can, even if he thought I wouldn’t do the same. My brother is probably one of the greatest guys I know. Sure, he still may do things that I find irritating, but I love him with all my heart and I am so blessed to be a big part of his life.
My challenge
I encourage you all to resolve any conflict that may be keeping you from being close with your siblings. In the end, they’re your family and they want to be a part of your life in a positive way. Stop judging and start accepting them for who they are as a person. They aren’t supposed to believe everything you do or make the same decisions in life as you. Understand they are different. If you can accept them and cherish them for who they are, then you will develop stronger, more loving bonds with them than anyone else.
