Sibling Rivalry
Sibling rivalry is common. It doesn’t matter if you have brothers or sisters, at some point you have probably been frustrated and felt like you were competing with each other. For some, sibling rivalry may only be a small thing, like perhaps you and your sibling get competitive over a video game. For others, sibling rivalry may be more sinister and deep-seated, like thoughts of one sibling being ‘the favourite child’.
So how do we deal with sibling rivalry? Having a healthy relationship with your siblings and with yourself seems to be the most important thing. However, this can be hard, especially when you are under the same roof. Sometimes, small things can make you frustrated and overreact. Your brother ate most of the dinner and didn’t leave you much when you got home from training, and all of a sudden this is more reason that he’s egotistical and selfish (instead of hungry and having made an innocent mistake). How do we overcome these habitual thoughts and grievances? Although Step Brothers was hilarious, it is probably not the best place to turn for guidance.
What are your experiences with sibling rivalry? How do you cope? What do you say to yourself and how do you keep a healthy relationship? Personally, I would suggest keeping everything in perspective and staying patient. For example, rating the level of importance from 1 (not important) – 10 (most important thing ever) can be really helpful. However, there are probably and million and one suggestions out there, and many more effective ones!
Join in this Monday (23rd June) to talk about sibling rivalry and share your thoughts, experiences, and strategies for maintaining a healthy relationship. Although sibling rivalry is common, there are likely a ton of individual differences and little idiosyncrasies. It would be great to hear your thoughts and to learn from each other about such a common but important issue!
But advice, a kind word, sometimes just acknowledgement that it's okay is what I need.
@Ben-RO admittedly, most of the time I have passed the "pissed off" point when I am exclaiming to my parents what a dumb-ass my brother is and I completely understand how that can be seen and interpreted by my parents. The rest of the time, it's when I'm a little bit annoyed but calmer. I tell them and I've just had enough and still nothing.
To be honest, like I said somewhere else here, I think they're as done hearing from me as I'm done dealing with it.
Thank you also for the feedback @N1ghtW1ng , really appreciate it. And sometimes cliches really don't help! I agree! But, perhaps 'getting better' doesn't mean that it goes away, maybe it just means we accept it, or move on, or adjust. Don't know, just spitballing!
And @j95 that's an awesome idea!
There's almost always a way to communicate @N1ghtW1ng I hope we can help find one!
Nice one @j95
I am going to make a group chat with my Siblings and spam them with cute animal memes, muahaha 🙂
Who are some people that you can talk to, if you're going through a rough patch?
I'd say someone who's neutral and not taking sides. That may or may not include parents dependong on your family. I think siblings can be great supporters at times as well, they aren't all bad. And obviously MH professionals like psychs, counsellors and GPs.
I can talk to my parents, but when it comes to my siblings, not really. It's not that they don't listen but I think they're sick of hearing me complain as I am of whatever I'm complaining about.
So instead, I come here or myself.
Who are some people that you can talk to, if you're going through a rough patch?
This is actually something that KHL could help out with!
@N1ghtW1ng how are you telling your parents? There are many different ways to say something
Who are some people that you can talk to, if you're going through a rough patch?
Luckily for me, my parents.
At the current time, just RO and maybe maybe a couple of my friends but thats a bit hit and miss.
@j95 and @N1ghtW1ng it's so good to hear that you both feel comfortable posting here when something is bothering you.
Out of interest, what do you find most helpful in a response?
Hrrrm I think I am going to squeeze oooonnneee more question in.
What is one thing that you can do today with your siblings to show that you care?
What is one thing that you can do today with your siblings to show that you care?
Well, todays pretty much over, but tomorrow I could make them breakfast? Any ideas?
And thanks for the feedback @j95 ! very helpful
I could try talking to them. Text my sister and ask how she's going (she's recently moved out).
I'm stuck on what to do for my bro though. There isn't much I can do aside from my best to be nice. Saying hello, saying goodnight. The things I usually do when I'm not pissed off at him. Let him have one of my cookies 😛
@tsynder I don't think I'd make my bro breakfast, considering he has school and I am not getting up early enough for that (and neither his he :D:D)
@FootyFan26 I agree that siblings can be awesome to talk to as well.
One thing I've never forgotten about my brother is that he promised me when he got rich he'd buy me a horse. 😛
@N1ghtW1ng sounds like a good place to start building ideas from. Remember he might not change his behaviour because of one nice thing either, it might have an impact over time though!
(This goes for pretty much everyone on RO. :P)
And on that note! I think it's time for me to go make that Group post! Thank goodness we have a thread full of cute animal memes to help me on my way!
Summary might appear tomorrow but will not be up tonight (soz).
Have a lovely snooze everyone and I shall see you online tomorrow!
Thanks for @FootyFan26 @j95 @Glass_half_full @tsnyder and @Ben-RO for chatting tonight!
I'm really sorry if I missed anyone, it was awesome chatting with you too! 🙂
G'nite guys! And sleep well 😄
Nawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww @N1ghtW1ng!
Goodnight everyone! @j95 @FootyFan26@tsnyder@Glass_half_full @Bay52VU Thank you all for coming on and making a great chat!
