Sister bond bends but never breaks
IT’S the week of my sister’s 21st birthday and while our relationship is something I’m always grateful for, I’ve been reflecting on what it is that sets the sister bond apart and there’s a few characteristics that stand out from the rest.
HONESTY: If you want a genuine answer to the question “does my butt look big in this”, ask your sister. She’s likely to give a more brutal review than Carson Kressley but at least you know when she compliments you, she’s not lying.
SHARING: You hated having to take turns on your only Play Station console as a child but there’s nothing like doubling the size of your wardrobe when you’re finally old enough to appreciate the benefits of sharing.
BRIBERY: There’s no wrestling in all-girl households but UN-style negotiation is rife.
When the old run-thisZooper-Dooper-wrapper-tothe-bin-for-me-and-I’ll-timeyou trick stopped working, bribery becomes the new currency.
“Can you drive me to the station?” invites the response “sure, but only if I can borrow your hair straightener”. COMPANIONSHIP: School holidays, long car rides and family functions are made far more bearable by having someone to hang out with. Imaginary play is easier in pairs and you’d regularly rotate through combinations of shopper and checkout chick, teacher and student, nurse and patient. COMMUNICATION: Sisters can read each other’s mind with a single glance (usually an eye roll). Since I’ve moved out of home my sister and I communicate almost exclusively through GIFs and memes — a language based on our shared sense of humour.
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT: No one will listen to your daily rant like a sister.
Whether you’re calling to complain about work, netball umpires, reckless drivers, TV show scheduling clashes or slow internet speeds, your sibling is there to hear you out.
They’re also the only person you can text “like my new Insta” to without seeming like a complete narcissist.
PARTNER IN CRIME: Smash a plate, scratch a wall or stain your mum’s favourite rug while she was out?
Your sister is with you in the trenches, frantically Googling “how to remove Milo from cream carpet”.
FRIENDSHIP: You can never stay mad at each other for too long because you’re sisters by blood, but friends by choice.