The Good, The Bad, and The Brother
If any of you guys have siblings, then you know what it’s like to argue over the remote, fight to the death over the front seat of the car, and seek revenge when one of you guys tattles on the other. There are so many other annoying experiences we share with our siblings, but somehow we still love them. I don’t know about anyone else, but if a friend did half of things my siblings have done to me, I’d have way less friends. But, siblings get the coupon of unconditional love and acceptance. Today is the National Brother Day, in which we honor them for ruining our lives... and making them better.
Beyond siblings, the bond between me and my brothers is an especially amazing one. I am the 5th child of 8 children, so I consider myself an unfortunate middle child. I have five brothers, 3 of them older and 2 of them younger. With that being said, I have experienced what it means to be picked on by the older ones and annoyed by the younger ones. What would life be like without our brothers?!
Although they have put me through countless emotional traumas, I love each of my brothers with every ounce of love in me. Throughout our childhoods, that love was expressed in the oddest ways, whether that was through actual physical fighting or thrown away video games. They were always there for me when I needed someone to vent to. My older brothers take an actual interest in what I want for my future. They give me advice and offer their support to me in any way that I need. They are real with me and never sugarcoat what they have to say. It is a harsh love, but it is meant well and appreciated by me.
My younger brothers are the ones who I vent to about things most girls wouldn’t even whisper around their brothers. My youngest brother is my most mellow and reserved one, while my second to youngest was THE WORST PART OF MY LIFE for so long. With four years separating us in age and only a week separating our birthdays, we NEVER got along but were forced to share most things. As we grow older though, I realize the reason we never meshed well is because we were one in the same. He was so much like me that I despised him for it.
As he became more mature, I was able to enjoy our similarities, rather than hate them. We spend so much more time together and he confides in me his problems. I do the same with him. Even though he’s four years younger, I swear he gives the best impartial view on problems I cannot figure out on my own. I used to hate that we were related and now, I am so grateful to have him as my brother. We’re easily the closest of my whole family.
If anyone is struggling with their relationship with a brother, just give it some time and patience. They love you and you love them. Your siblings are your gifts from the universe. They are your automatic best friends and natural partners. Cherish your brothers and sisters every single day of the year, and not just on a National Day. Life is not infinite or guaranteed.