Anyone who has siblings can attest to the roller coaster relationship that accompanies being brothers or sisters. As for me, I have one brother who is particularly close in age. While growing up we hated each other, loved each other, and experienced every emotion in between. The love-hate struggle that comes from having siblings can be stressful, but the benefits definitely make it all worth it. Below are a few of these benefits.
1. You get an expanded closet
My brother and I are almost the same size, so whenever I need an extra shirt or a pair of pants, I know I can head one door down the hall to my own personal H&M.
2. There's an emergency bank open 24/7
I typically spend money before I even have it, so my go to loan-shark is my brother. Though, I should warn everyone that his interest rates have skyrocketed through the years.
3. Convincing your parents is easier in pairs
I fondly remember staying up late at night creating a plan of how we could convince our parents to get a dog or go on a vacation somewhere. When we worked together to get something we were practically unstoppable.
4. You learn how to fight
This might be more of a brotherly thing, but we fought (physically) all the time. I was always bigger than him which made it a little unfair, but he recently thanked me for always beating him up. Apparently, it made him a better fighter amongst his friends. It was strangely sweet to be thanked for that.
5. You've got backup at awkward family events
I love my family to death, but sometimes the extended family events can get a little awkward. These events seem inescapable, and I am always preparing to be questioned. My brother is always there to help me avoid the awkward questions, about college, relationships, and so on. Likewise, I've got his back. It's also great to have someone to gossip with about Great Aunt Nelly's new red mohawk.
6. Sharing really is caring
Similar to an expanded closet, sharing other things like electronics was always nice. By having staggered birthdays, my brother and I were able to ask for different game systems and share them afterward.
7. Using one another as leverage
I personally have taken advantage of this many times. With a brother who was always getting in trouble, it was easy for me to compare myself to him so that I could do what I wanted. Don't be so quick to judge, though, because he used my traveling as an excuse to get what he wanted.
8. The ultimate wingman
Nobody knows you better than your brother/sister which also means they know who would be the best for you. If utilized properly, a brother duo can be lethal in the lady department.
9. Your own personal role model and teacher
My brother is an amazing artist and an aspiring musician. I am a STEM kid. We have very different paths, but it helps us inspire one another. Even with my limited artistic knowledge he always wants my opinion on his pieces, and I value his opinion of my work more than anything. My brother is a huge supporter and inspiration.
10. You have an obligatory best friend for life
My brother and I fight... a lot, but as we've grown older, we've grown much closer. We went our separate ways throughout middle school and high school, but now in college, we have become each other's closest allies.
The actual benefits to having a sibling are infinite, but these are a few that definitely stand out through years of personal experience.
