A sibling relationship is likely to be the most enduring of ur lives. They "shape our history and our character far more than usually acknowledged"(Psychologies). Psychotherapists Vivviene Lewin and Belind Sharp say that "'siblings are not just second editions in relation to the parents, but have a profound importance of their own." Sisters know you better than anyone. Sisters may not always admire one another, but they will always be interested in each other. A study showed that the longer people sustain close sibling relationships, the more it can benefit and protect those people emotionally. Studies show that sisters tend to be closer to one another than brothers, but that regardless of gender, siblings tend to bicker most when the elder child is 13 an the second born is 10 years old due to competition in the home environment (Tannen).
According to Psychologist G. Stanley Hall, "being an only child is a disease." He also says that there are no relationships that can run quite as deep or survive quite as long as those among siblings. From the time I was born, my sisters were my collaborators and my role models. They are my protectors, playmates, counselors, sources of envy, and objects of pride. They help me learn how to resolve conflicts and how to conduct friendships. Studies show that older sisters learn to nurture by mentoring little ones while younger siblings learn about wisdom by heeding older ones. Overall, sisters and brothers both affect each others lives and the way they look at the world and take it on everyday. Not only do they grow up in the same environment, but they also share 50 percent of their genes. Therefore, we not only share some of same personality traits genetically but we also share the same characteristics from growing up in the same environment. Younger siblings develop certain characteristics from their older siblings just by growing up around them and observing their actions. "Studies revealed that younger sisters’ as compared to younger brothers’ empathy was related differentially to their older siblings’ personal qualities and to the nature of their sibling relationship" (Tucker). Therefore, relationships with our siblings, specifically sisters, can shape the way younger sisters and brothers develop their personal qualities We form our personalities and get our identities of who we are in the world from our siblings. While there are some permanently toxic sibling relationships out there, for the most part, most of us are with our siblings no matter what. Marriages, divorces, cross-country moves, the death of a parent — whatever the event, siblings are part of it. (Littman). Part of the bond's strength has to do with the longevity of the relationships. You will likely outlive a parent, possibly part with a spouse and your kids will move on — but those ties with your siblings remain and connect you to the past. |
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