"Your siblings will be your best friends." I had trouble believing that every time I heard it growing up; however now I realize how true that statement really is. Everyone who has siblings can relate to knowing no one can get under your skin like they can. Siblings are your only enemy you can't live without. They know your flaws, habits, and things most people don't know about you. Although it's natural for siblings to fight and tattle, it is one of the greatest bonds on earth that you can have. You and your brothers and sisters will take different paths down the road and life may separate you, but you will forever be bonded by having your journey begin in the same place. You and your siblings share the same memories, family, struggles and no one can take that away from you. By treating your sibling relationships with care and consideration, your relationship will be everlastingly strong.
Below are 5 ways to strengthen your bond with your siblings:
- 1.Treat your sibling the way you would like to be treated.
- 2.Honor their boundaries.
- 3.Be Supportive.
- 4.Be inclusive
- 5.Give compliments
If you want a close and friendly bond with your brother or sister, show them the love and admiration you would like to receive. Ask them about their day or make sure everything is all right in their personal life. If your sibling does something to get you angry, remember to not yell but calmly try to resolve the problem to save yourselves from a fight. If you have unresolved anger towards your sibling it can often show in your character towards outside people. So always be respectful and remember communication is key.
You most likely don't like it when your siblings go into your room without knocking or borrowing something without asking. Although it's tempting when you might need something in your siblings room, and it's easier for you to just go in there and grab it without telling them; you must remember if you don't like it when your sibling does that to you, don't do it to them. If you willingly respect your sibling’s privacy, room and belongings the chances are very high they will give you the same respect.
Being the older sister of one brother who succeeds at everything and anything, I'll admit it's easy to become jealous. Before you let jealously take over you have to bear in mind that being envious is the worst thing you can be, and easily can damage a relationship. Choosing to be happy for your sibling is an immense feeling and can really build up your relationship. I always make sure to see how my brother does after a hockey game if I can't make it, offer to take him to practices, and I try to make sure to go several of his games and events. Supporting your siblings and cheering them on in whatever they choose to do will only make you closer. I'm a proud sister!
Whether close in age or far apart in age you and your siblings will of course have your own life and your own friends. You and your siblings will always bring friends around the house and after a while their friends will likely become your friends or at least you'll end up spending a good amount of time with them. I've known my brothers best friend for years, we have our own inside jokes and even when my brother isn't around we're close enough to talk and hangout without him being around. They have their own time but when I'm around sometimes we’ll hangout together, I even introduced them to their first high school parties. This past year my girlfriends and I would all get ready for the big Friday night football games at my house and after a while my brother became apart of our daily routine. He hung out in my room, talked with us, went to the game and out to eat with us. Your siblings don't have to do everything with you, but no one likes to feel left out. Make your siblings feel comfortable around your friends and be one of inclusion.
Proverbs 16:24 states "kind words are like honey, sweet to the soul and healthy for the body" and that couldn't be more true. Always be kind, no one likes to feel bad about their self. Once in while a compliment from someone who might not compliment you too often, like a sibling could be enough to make your day or theirs. So the next time you take notice in something your sibling does well, let them know. At the end of the day friends come and go but your siblings are forever, so why not build your bond to be the strongest it can be.
