Siblings. They’re the people who can make you laugh until your sides ache – and sometimes drive you mad enough to question your life choices. But when you strip away the squabbles over borrowed shirts, who gets the biggest slice of cake, or who cheated at Monopoly, there’s something beautifully enduring about the sibling bond.
Siblings are often our first partners in crime and lifelong witnesses to the chaos of growing up. If you look past the shared mischief and memories, the cohesion between siblings is a cornerstone of emotional well-being and personal growth.
Cultivating this connection is an investment, not just in family harmony, but in a richer, more fulfilling life.
THE SIBLING SAGA
Sibling relationships usually start with some chaos. Whether you’re the oldest paving the way (read: guinea pig), the middle child negotiating peace treaties, or the youngest perfecting the art of charm, these roles shape how you connect.
But beneath these roles lies the potential for something extraordinary: a partnership forged in the furnace of shared experiences.
In Brunei Darussalam, we all know that most families would typically have more than two siblings, especially those born in the millennial era straight to the gen Zs.
I, for one, have many, and I remember growing up with my own siblings.
One minute we’d be locked in a battle over the TV remote; the next, we were a united front against the tyranny of mum’s refusal to let us have dessert before dinner.
Those little alliances taught us early on how to navigate differences, share victories, and stick together when it mattered most.
For those who are now navigating parenthood, it’s important to note that as parents, we play an important role of referee (and occasional bribery artist).
Encouraging teamwork through family activities – like playing cards or assembling furniture without losing your temper – is a fantastic way to create shared memories.
Even moments of conflict can be valuable.
Learning to hash out differences with kindness and understanding is a skill siblings will carry into every other relationship.
THE EMOTIONAL TREASURE CHEST
A strong sibling bond is an emotional treasure chest that you’ll keep dipping into long after childhood.
Studies show that people with close sibling ties are less likely to struggle with depression and anxiety. It’s no mystery why.
Siblings are often the ones who know us best – warts and all – and still choose to stand by us, sometimes.
But it’s not just about comfort. Growing up with a sibling teaches empathy in ways nothing else can. Sharing your life with someone whose personality might be worlds apart forces you to see life from a different perspective.
It’s excellent training for the real world, where not everyone will laugh at your jokes or appreciate your obsession with perfectly organised spreadsheets.
THE EVER-EVOLVING BOND
One of the best things about sibling relationships is that they grow with you.
As kids, you’re arguing over whose turn it is to wash the dishes; as adults, you’re swapping advice about savings or debating whether toddlers really need that many toys.
Life has a funny way of strengthening these bonds. Major milestones – graduations, weddings, or simply moving out – offer fresh opportunities to reconnect.
When I had my first baby, it felt like my younger sister and I unlocked a new level of our relationship. Suddenly, we weren’t just siblings; we were also teammates navigating this wild thing called adulthood.
Even in later years, siblings remain your anchors. They’re the only people who remember your awkward bowl-cut phase and still take you seriously. They’re also the keepers of family stories, the ones who’ll remind you (gleefully) of every embarrassing moment, but also ensure those shared histories aren’t lost to time.
THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM
Let’s be honest though, no sibling relationship is without its bumps. Maybe it’s a childhood rivalry that never quite faded, or a misstep that led to hurt feelings.
The good news? Most of these rifts are repairable.
A little humility goes a long way. Owning up to past mistakes or offering a heartfelt apology can work wonders.
If things feel particularly strained, a mediator – whether it’s another family member or a counsellor – can help. The goal isn’t just to move past conflicts but to rebuild a relationship that enriches both your lives.
Sibling cohesion doesn’t just stop with the two (or three, or four) of you.
It has a way of rippling outwards, creating a family culture of support and unity. When children see their parents and uncles or aunts getting along, they’re more likely to value those bonds themselves.
Plus, let’s not overlook the practical benefits.
When siblings get along, you’ve got built-in babysitters, wedding planning committees, and someone to help you sort through dad’s collection of vintage leather jackets when the time comes.
All in all, the sibling bond is one of life’s most unique and enduring relationships. It’s not always smooth sailing, but the effort you put into maintaining that connection is worth every moment.
Whether it’s through heartfelt chats, shared laughter, or simply being there when it matters, siblings have the power to shape our lives in ways no one else can.
So, the next time your brother “accidentally” eats the last slice of cake or your sister hijacks your Netflix account, take a deep breath.
These are the quirks of a relationship that, when nurtured, will stand the test of time. After all, who else is going to remind you of that time you fell off your bike trying to impress the neighbours? – Izah Azahari
