How to Bond with Your Siblings
You may have grown up with them, but that doesn't mean you get along as adults. We're talking about brothers and sisters, of course. Once you graduate from the backseat antagonizing phase of, "He's touching me!" your relationship with your siblings should get better, right? For some siblings, that's not the case. Here are some ways to nurture -- and even repair -- the relationship you have with your brother or sister after you grow up and become adults. First, leave the unpleasant incidents of the past in the past – there's no need to dredge up that time your younger sister stole your prom date or the time your brother forgot to feed your fish when you left town for spring break. It's all water under the bridge, and bringing up old stuff just wears away at the new relationship you're trying to forge. Build trust by not being the family tattler. Whether it's your brother telling you something in confidence or your parents squabbling over your sister's latest boyfriend, keep it to yourself instead of stirring the pot by inciting problems among family members. Go above and beyond in your "appearance duties." In other words, it's expected that you show up for holidays, birthdays and the other big events, but why not cheer on your sibling at a housewarming party when she buys her first house? Show up at an intramural softball game for your brother for a refreshing change. It tells your siblings you're there for them, even to celebrate the small stuff. And finally, maintain a connection, however small, with your siblings. Use technology to keep in constant contact. Even if it's just a text every other day, you'll look like the thoughtful brother or sister you are when you stay in touch.