Oh, the passive aggression, the physical aggression, and the verbal aggression involved in growing up with siblings. When things are good, they're great and you've got a best friend living right down the hallway. But when they go awry, it's like one of those alien vs predator movies. Every household object turns into a weapon. Not even the dog is safe. Of course, as we grow up and mature the constant battle begins to diminish. Your arch nemesis becomes your partner in crime. But there will always be that typical childhood dialogue that we can look back on and laugh at how trivial and simple things used to be. Here's a list of seven things we've all said growing up with siblings.
1. "I'm telling mom!"
This was the big one. This was the one phrase that would stop you right in your tracks to make you think about whether throwing that hairbrush at your sibling was really worth it. Mom was the all powerful dictator of the household, and when unleashing the wrath of Hell was at stake, it really made you question how important physical action was. And when you saw the potential threat of a plastic animal figure to the face flash before your eyes, this phrase was the last resort. It was the final plea for ceasefire before World War III began and there was no turning back until both of you had thrown a couple sissy slaps.
2. "Please don't tell mom"
This was what you said whenever it was you on the other side of the token. When you knew you really messed up, this was the plea for humanity. That moment when you realized you took it too far, and if your sibling would please just not tell your mom, you would forever be indebted to them. Or just until they took things too far and the power was back in your hands.
3. "It wasn't me I swear!"
Even if it was 100% you, this was always the first thing out of your mouth when mom came to ask why yet another household item was broken. Its almost like every kid has a programmed instinct of trying to blame their sibling for anything/everything before accepting their rightful punishment. Of course, mom always knows all, so lying worked about .1% of the time.
4. "I double dog dare you"
This phrase can single-handedly be held responsible for at least 75% of the stupid things I completely regret doing as a child. The challenge always brought out the worst in us kids, and siblings are always trying to get each other to do stupid and potentially harmful things. But hey, they sure made for some pretty hilarious stories.
5. "I hate you!"
It was always harsh, and it was always regretted, but all of us, in a fit of rage or temper tantrum, have screamed the fateful words to our siblings at one point or another. I've resorted to the H word just because I didn't get my way about something more times than I'd like to admit growing up. But throwing out the ultimate emotional weapon almost always led to a realization of how big of a lie "I hate you" really was.
6. "I'm sorry."
Whether it was verbal, physical or emotional abuse, we all had to swallow our pride at one point or another when we realized that giving each other the silent treatment was a lot less fun than pretending to be wizards. It was always a humbling moment, and I think every time I apologized to my sister, we got a little closer. Mom forcing you to apologize soon became you actually realizing you were wrong, and the first steps of maturity were set in motion.
7. "I love you"
Even after the fiercest of battles, we all ended the day knowing we loved each other. Without siblings, childhood wouldn't be half as fun. Who would be the Ron Weaseley to your Harry Potter? Or Robin to your Batman? Growing up with a sister was the greatest blessing I ever could have received, and I think we all know that no matter what happens, we'll always have nothing but love in our hearts for our siblings. I never needed an imaginary friend growing up because I always had the best friend a kid could ever ask for, and she was perfectly real.
