Wanted: One Sister
Watching the news this morning, I finally figured out the deep dark secret behind all my sorrows, insecurities, and failures: I don't have a sister. Obviously, my parents were short-sighted during their child-bearing days, or I might be President today.
New research shows that having a sister, whether younger or older – even one who tattles, but also shares secrets and cookies – makes you a kinder, more giving person, an spur you to higher success, and generally make you happier.
According to the study, adolescents with sisters feel less lonely, unloved, guilty, self-conscious and fearful
Regardless of whether she is older or younger, a sister has a far stronger influence than parents on a person's mental well-being, and therefore on her success is life.
Brothers -- of which I have two -- do not, according to the report, have the same effect; it has to be a sister. Neither, apparently, do eight years of successive boarding school roommates. I have to question that one; we certainly fought, shared, and giggled like sisters. In fact, my best friend today is someone I met at school 47 years ago. Of course, she's an only child, so she has other issues...
Growing up, I never longed for a sister. My brothers teased me mercilessly, broke my toys, and were generally, well, older brothers. But they also watched over me, guided me, and covered for me when I got into scrapes. I wouldn't trade my brothers for anything, but maybe I should have lobbied for a sister as well.
So here I am, not only the youngest child, but also the only girl. I wonder if there's any hope for me... and all the other sister-less women out there. Maybe Match.com could set up a special site to link us up?
Do you have a sister? If not, would you like one?
New research shows that having a sister, whether younger or older – even one who tattles, but also shares secrets and cookies – makes you a kinder, more giving person, an spur you to higher success, and generally make you happier.
According to the study, adolescents with sisters feel less lonely, unloved, guilty, self-conscious and fearful
Regardless of whether she is older or younger, a sister has a far stronger influence than parents on a person's mental well-being, and therefore on her success is life.
Brothers -- of which I have two -- do not, according to the report, have the same effect; it has to be a sister. Neither, apparently, do eight years of successive boarding school roommates. I have to question that one; we certainly fought, shared, and giggled like sisters. In fact, my best friend today is someone I met at school 47 years ago. Of course, she's an only child, so she has other issues...
Growing up, I never longed for a sister. My brothers teased me mercilessly, broke my toys, and were generally, well, older brothers. But they also watched over me, guided me, and covered for me when I got into scrapes. I wouldn't trade my brothers for anything, but maybe I should have lobbied for a sister as well.
So here I am, not only the youngest child, but also the only girl. I wonder if there's any hope for me... and all the other sister-less women out there. Maybe Match.com could set up a special site to link us up?
Do you have a sister? If not, would you like one?
I have two wonderful younger brothers, but oh, I would love having a sister! There are things you just can't tell a brother, no matter how simpatico you are with him. You're right, we need a "sisters" match-up site! Thanks for the post
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