When it comes to having a sibling, it is common to remember us wreaking havoc on each other at the slightest inconvenience! But at the end of the day, it was they who helped us solve a difficult mathematical equation. If you have a sibling, you must be familiar with the fact that siblings are someone who’s always up for a fight but, on the other end, come to our rescue. However, when adulthood hits, we tend to grow apart from each other. It is our task to mend our bond with siblings. Even if you’re a working man juggling work and life, doing so will make your life merry! Read on to learn more about how to maintain a healthy sibling relationship in adulthood.
We tend to lose contact with siblings when we’re occupied with heaps of work and responsibilities. Especially if you’re a man in your adulthood, you must be familiar with the constant nagging of excelling at your job and earning a decent living.
During these tough times, taking refuge in your sibling’s company can help to a great extent.
Along with lower levels of grief and sadness, one who’s dear to their sibling experiences much higher satisfaction in life.
The American Journal of Psychiatry states that the quality of sibling relationships is one of the most important predictors of mental health in old age. It also states that there’s a lower level of depression and anxiety when you’re emotionally close to your sibling.
Here are some ways in which you can maintain a healthy sibling relationship in adulthood:
Sharing goals
It requires frequent check-ins to maintain a healthy sibling relationship.
It can be difficult to share your future plans with your siblings, especially when you’re so caught up with balancing work and life.
However, talking about your goals, aspirations, and even short-term plans can help. Frequent communication is the best way to get along with someone, even if it is a brother who barely shares his life anecdotes!
If you have an unresolved conflict, it is better to just forgive each other and move on.
Appreciate their achievements.
Let’s agree: At times, we do need some assurance from our loved ones.
Siblings need this assurance from each other as well.
Verbalize your appreciation. Trust me, there’s no better way to put a big smile on their face. Don’t hesitate before congratulating them on their achievements.
It is crucial to celebrate siblings' achievements, even if it means celebrating them ending a toxic relationship!
Expressing gratitude escalates one’s psychological well-being, enhances positivity, and improves one’s ability to manage stress. It is necessary to support your siblings, especially if they’re going through a rough patch.
Foster a friendship.
It is common to ‘not’ know your sibling as an adult. You might’ve spent your entire boyhood with your sibling, but with time and the advent of adulthood, you both grew apart.
Cultivating a friendship with your sibling can help to maintain the relationship.
If you haven’t caught up with each other in a while, planning a day out or just ringing them would help you put a new beginning to a frayed bond.
The next step is to share your responsibilities. While organizing a family vacation or throwing a party, equally contribute your work. This would give each other a sense of belonging and fairness.
Plan a vacation.
There’s no better way to bond with another person than a weekend getaway!
Planning a vacation is a fun and relaxing way to get to know your sibling again when the relationship has fallen apart.
Trust me, you both will leave the destination with a stronger bond and lots of memories!
Conclusion
It is a completely different story to maintain that sibling relationship, and that too during adult years!
It is true to say that we cannot have the kind of bond we used to have during our younger years.
However, fixing that bond can provide a safe space where both parties can talk about their problems and celebrate victories. It is time to replace that shared bar of chocolate with some shared understanding!
It requires a lot of work to maintain a sibling relationship during adulthood; however, if you love them and still care for them, there’s hope.
Keynote
The American Journal of Psychiatry:https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0265407505056447
Written by: Deepdisha Sarkar
Edited by: Aniket Joshi