Most of the time, when people hear they're going to have step bothers/sisters, they immediately think of the movie "Step Brothers", where Will Ferrell essentially wants nothing to do with his newly acquainted step brother. But that is not the case whatsoever. Living with step siblings is like living with best friends, who are always down to cause trouble.
Movies portray step siblings as bickering, polar opposites. Thankfully, that was not the case with myself and my step siblings. I have 4 step siblings, I have a step brother and sister on my dad's side, and a step brother and sister on my mom's side. Growing up an only child, I figured it was going to be really hard to adjust to living with my new "siblings" whom I have never met, and boy, was I wrong.
My step siblings have become my best friends. We're always causing trouble and giving my parents a run for their money. I have taken so many road trips with my step siblings, as well as countless late night laughs, adventures, and sushi dates. My step siblings on my dads' side, I don't see as often, but there is still endless love for them in my heart. The crazy moments you have with your step siblings are just amplified so much more because your step sibling was your friend before your sibling, sealing the bond and making it stronger. Every good relationship begins with a friendship, and I have that base with my siblings, and I couldn't be more grateful for that.
I compare step siblings to best friends because of the loving bond we share, even when we think we hate each other. The bond you have with your best friend is unbreakable, and your best friend is your shoulder to cry on, your late night vent-sesh, and your partner in crime, no matter what. I was blessed to be able to receive all of those qualities in 4 amazing, strong, and beautiful people. Of course, we have had our fights, disagreements, and brawls, but doesn't every family? I never in my wildest dreams thought I would have 4 step siblings, but I see it as a blessing.
I was blessed with siblings. I don't call them my "step brother" or my "step sister", I call them my brothers and sisters. Some people go their whole lives wishing and praying for siblings and God gave me them. I have countless memories with them, that I shall cherish forever. Without them, my life would contain no adventure, no relief after a long talk, and no "laugh until you can't breathe" moments. You receive unconditional love from parents, as well as step parents, and step siblings are no different. We love each other unconditionally, and I think that's why our bonds are so tight, because we know everyone's moods, feelings, and thoughts just by looking at them. We can finish each others sentences with just one glace, and who else is going to laugh at the embarrassing pictures of you when you were young, or the terrible group pictures of us pre-puberty?
So, when people ask "don't you hate having step siblings?", my answer is always no. Because I don't hate it, I love it. Having step siblings is just like having regular siblings, they just entered your life at a later time, on different circumstances, but the love remains the same.
