There’s a special bond that exists between siblings. This connection, when nurtured into adulthood, has a profound impact on our emotional well-being.
The catch? Not all of us manage to keep this bond strong as adults.
But those who do, they do certain things differently – seven things to be exact. They have mastered the art of balancing their independent lives while staying emotionally close to their siblings.
These actions are not manipulative tactics or obligations. They are choices willingly made to foster a lifelong connection.
In this article, we’ll explore what these seven things are. You might find that you’re already doing some of them – or perhaps they provide a blueprint for enhancing your own sibling relationships.
So, let’s dive in and understand what makes these sibling bonds last a lifetime.
1) They communicate regularly
Communication is key in any relationship, and sibling relationships are no exception.
Those who maintain a close emotional bond with their siblings into adulthood understand the importance of regular check-ins.
This doesn’t necessarily mean daily phone calls or constant texting. It can be as simple as a weekly catch-up call, sharing a meme that reminds you of them, or even shooting over a quick “thinking of you” message.
These consistent interactions keep the lines of communication open and reinforce the bond between siblings.
And it’s not just about talking – it’s about listening too. They take an interest in their sibling’s lives, remembering important events or concerns that were shared in previous conversations.
This regular communication, both talking and listening, is not a chore but a choice they make to stay connected.
It’s genuine, it’s heartfelt, and it makes all the difference.
2) They make time for each other
Life gets busy. Work, responsibilities, and personal pursuits can all demand our attention. But those who stay emotionally close with their siblings understand the value of making time for each other.
Take me and my sister, for example. Despite the different paths our lives took – she’s a corporate lawyer in New York and I’m living across the country working for an online editing and proofreading company – we’ve made it a point to dedicate time for each other.
Every month, without fail, we set aside a weekend afternoon to video call. It’s our virtual “sibling hangout,” where we update each other on our lives, share our triumphs and struggles, or simply reminisce about our shared childhood memories.
It’s not always easy to find the time, especially with the time difference and our busy schedules. But we make it work. Because we both understand that maintaining our bond is a priority.
This isn’t a calendar obligation, but a choice we consciously make. It’s these shared moments that keep us emotionally connected, despite the physical distance.
3) They handle conflicts maturely
Conflicts are inevitable in any relationship. Siblings are no different. What sets those who remain emotionally close apart is how they handle these conflicts.
Instead of resorting to petty arguments or silent treatments, they approach disagreements maturely. They are open to discussions, willing to listen to the other side, and aim for resolution rather than victory.
A study published found that siblings who resolve conflicts amicably tend to have stronger relationships. They also have better communication skills and higher emotional intelligence, which are beneficial in all areas of life.
These individuals understand that disagreements are not a threat to their relationship, but rather an opportunity for growth and understanding.
Their aim is not to “win” the argument, but to preserve the bond they share with their sibling.
4) They celebrate each other’s successes
Jealousy can easily creep into sibling relationships. But those who maintain a close emotional bond with their siblings into adulthood have a different approach: they celebrate each other’s successes.
It’s not a competition for them. Instead, they see their sibling’s accomplishments as their own victory.
If one sibling gets a promotion, the other is the first to send a congratulatory message. If one sibling achieves a personal goal, the other is there cheering them on.
They genuinely enjoy seeing their siblings thrive and succeed. Their joy in each other’s accomplishments is genuine and sincere, reinforcing their emotional bond.
In their eyes, every win for their sibling is a win for the family. This shared joy strengthens their relationship and fosters an environment of mutual support and encouragement.
5) They provide emotional support
In the face of life’s ups and downs, having someone who truly understands and supports you can make all the difference.
I discovered this firsthand when I went through a particularly difficult period in my life. The job I loved was suddenly gone, and I found myself grappling with feelings of uncertainty and anxiety about the future.
It was my brother who proved to be my rock during this time. Despite his own commitments and challenges, he was always there, offering a listening ear, words of encouragement, and even some much-needed humor to lighten the mood.
His unwavering support helped me navigate through that tough phase. It wasn’t about solving my problems, but about letting me know that I wasn’t alone in facing them.
Those who stay emotionally close to their siblings as adults understand this. They provide emotional support in times of need, standing by each other through thick and thin.
Because at the end of the day, family is not just about sharing bloodlines, but about being there for each other when it really counts.
6) They respect each other’s differences
No two siblings are completely alike. Each one has their unique traits, interests, and perspectives.
Those who stay emotionally close to their siblings as adults learn to appreciate these differences, rather than let them become points of contention.
They understand that their sibling is an individual with their own thoughts, feelings, and experiences. They respect their sibling’s autonomy and individuality.
Instead of trying to change each other, they celebrate the diversity within their relationship. They understand that these differences contribute to the richness of their bond.
This respect for each other’s individuality creates a safe space where each sibling feels valued and accepted for who they are. This acceptance strengthens their emotional bond and fosters a deep sense of understanding and mutual respect.
7) They cherish their shared history
One of the unique aspects of sibling relationships is the shared history.
Growing up in the same household, experiencing the same family dynamics, and living through similar experiences provide a common ground that is hard to replicate.
Those who remain emotionally close to their siblings as adults truly cherish this shared past. They revel in the nostalgia, remembering the good times and learning from the challenging ones.
They see their shared history not just as a collection of memories, but as a foundation upon which their relationship is built. It’s a thread that links their past to their present, and a bond that will carry them into the future.
This appreciation for their common past keeps them emotionally connected, providing them with a sense of belonging and continuity that is truly special.
Final thoughts: It’s all about choices
Human relationships, especially familial ones, are complex and nuanced. They are influenced by a myriad of factors, from shared experiences to individual personalities.
When it comes to maintaining a strong emotional connection with siblings into adulthood, the common thread seems to be the conscious choices we make.
The choice to communicate regularly, to make time for each other, to handle conflicts maturely, to celebrate successes, to provide emotional support, to respect differences, and to cherish shared history.
These actions are not rules or obligations. They are deliberate decisions made out of love and respect for the sibling relationship.
In the end, perhaps it’s less about what you do and more about why you do it. The intent behind these actions – the genuine desire to nurture and maintain that unique sibling bond – is what truly counts.
As you reflect on your own sibling relationships, consider the choices you’ve made and the ones you could make going forward. Remember, it’s never too late to strengthen those bonds and foster that special connection.
