Having siblings is a unique experience. For some, they are best friends with their siblings. For others, they are forced to be friends. Regardless of what kind of relationship you have with your siblings, you unconditionally love them. Moreover, there will always be an older sibling and a younger sibling. The older sibling role entails the following:
As an older sibling, it is a given that we are jealous of the younger sibling.
Parents aren't as strict with you. They're the strictest with us. We are the "test children." They try various techniques on us; however, by the time you come around, they realize the techniques are too harsh and never implement them on you because they feel bad.
You're the baby of the family so of course, you get the MOST attention. They got to protect the youngest. From my experience, my parents always told me I had to do everything for my sister because it's my responsibility to take care of her no matter what. 'Til this day, my dad tells me to watch my sister.
A family is supposed to treat each other nicely, but this is inevitable: teasing. Growing up, I teased my sister a lot. We still tease each other because we have that special bond. Moreover, I was mean to my sister. I don't know why I did that, but, obviously, I'm not like that anymore. If someone were to mess with her now, I will get mad because you shouldn't have bullies. The only bully is me, your older sister. I have the right to mess with you.
Believe it or not, we older siblings believe you youngsters stay little forever. My sister is just two years younger than me. As I grow older, there are times I continue to perceive her as a young, innocent, little girl. I forget she's growing up, too. The moment we realize you're becoming an adult, we sometimes get awkward disclosing information to you. Before, I wouldn't tell her all the things I've done because I'm trying to protect my face. I have a reputation to uphold as an older sister. However, after initially disclosing that information, the bond gets stronger.
Lastly, I recently noticed that my sister always calls me whenever she needs something. I realized younger siblings know that older siblings will always be there for their younger siblings. I'm guilty of doing this: even though I complain about doing things for my sister, I still do it because I want to the best for her. All older siblings want the best for the youngsters.
So yeah, this is how us older siblings feel 24/7. We are just awkward to admit that we love you.
