Growing up we rely on teachers and parents to prepare us for the world of adulthood. We learn to read, write, multiply, etc. We are taught to wash the dishes and fold our clothes. When you have siblings, though, you learn a few extra lessons and skills along the way. Though it wasn't always sunshine and butterflies, there are many things I learned from having siblings that I still carry with me today.
1. You can keep a secret.
From little white lies to taking the blame for each other, my brothers and sisters have always been people I know that I can confide in. Nothing serious like hiding a body, but taking the blame for eating the last cookie never hurt anyone. There is a sense of loyalty among siblings, though sometimes it's out of fear. However, even as we grow older, we all know that we can count on one another to keep a secret.
2. You know how to share.
Nothing teaches you more about sharing than growing up with four brothers and three sisters. Toys, food, clothes, and even friends, you share it all. Can't find your favorite sweater? Perhaps check your sister's closet. Can't seem to find that bag of chips that had your name written on it? Perhaps check your brother's trash can. You learn to roll with it, though. At the end of the day, no matter how many things they "borrow" from you, you still love them.
3. You can put up a good fight.
From Indian burns to arm bars, siblings teach you how to take a hit. You probably could have had a good run at the school's wrestling team, but you decided to stick to throwing down in the living room instead. The smallest of squabbles often times resulted in a face full of carpet, but it made you and your siblings stronger and (ironically) closer.
4. You know exactly how to annoy someone.
Whether you like to admit it or not, you most likely annoyed your siblings on a regular basis. You know exactly what makes them tick, and you would push all the right buttons. You probably contributed to giving your parents a few gray hairs each time you and your siblings would get to yelling at each other. I know my siblings and I could really get under each other's skin, but we still love each other.
5. You will always have a protector.
Though you and your siblings could make each other's lives a living hell, no one else was allowed to. You could throw insults at one another all day, but the second someone else tried, that was a big no-no. They taught you to stand up for yourself, but you also know they will always have your back. Through thick and thin, siblings will stand together.
6. You know the true meaning of family.
From the pinching to the name calling, siblings can really push the boundaries of sanity. However, you learn over the years that family means fighting, slamming doors, insults, but ultimately, love and loyalty. Siblings teach you to look past the negatives and see the positives.
7. You can always be yourself.
The good, the bad, and the ugly-- siblings see it all. You grow up giving each other wet Willy's, and trapping each other under the covers after a deadly fart. Siblings are the first people you learn to truly be yourself around. They see your weird side, and they still love you at the end of the day no matter how much they pick at you.
8. You know how to dish out insults.
They may not be the best, but you picked up a few insults along the way. You learned how to think fast and always have a comeback. Your siblings were your first critics, and they taught you to be tough and witty.
9. You are never too old to bicker.
No matter how old you get or how mature you think you are, siblings have a way of reverting you back to the child you used to be. From bickering over the smallest things to tattling to Mom, sibling squabbles know no age limit.
10. You plan a great sneak attack.
From avenging your beheaded Barbie doll to planning another prank, you learn to be cunning and unexpected. You also learn to be on the lookout for payback.
11. You know how to whip up a good apology.
Whether you were in the wrong or not, you usually had to apologize when you and your siblings fought. You may have even had to repeat your apology a few times until Mom and Dad thought it was sincere enough. Over the years, you had a lot of practice in delivering apologies. You also probably received quite a few as well.
12. You will never be alone.
Fighting comes with the territory, but when push comes to shove, siblings will always have each other's backs. It's a bond like no other, and it lasts a lifetime. As long as you have your siblings, you will always have a friend.
To my brothers and sisters,
You guys mean the world to me. You have taught me so much over the years, and I continue to learn from you all. Though we have had our ups and downs, I wouldn't trade you for the world. I love you, you idiots. My life wouldn't be the same without you.
