We asked, you answered: What's the secret to a close relationship with siblings?
The Science of Siblings is a new series exploring the ways our siblings can influence us, from our money and our mental health all the way down to our very molecules. We'll be sharing these stories over the next several weeks.
In our series, "The Science of Siblings," one of the most popular stories was about encouraging kindness among siblings – a topic of great interest to our readers. So when we asked for your personal stories of sibling relationships, you delivered!
We were flooded with more than 100 responses, from practical suggestions for staying in touch to heartwarming stories of sibling support. Some recounted the strength of their relationships from the outset, while others detailed connections that grew stronger with age or shared hardship. About a quarter of people wrote about sibling relationships that were distant or strained, and some carry that sadness with them. Still others longed for the brothers and sisters they've never had.
But the power of closeness and connection among siblings shone strongest throughout your narratives. We found your stories so poignant and inspiring that we're featuring many of them (but, promise, fewer than 100).
Tough times lead to tight bonds
Adelita Lopez from Long Beach, Calif., describes her older sister Rosa as "the backbone of our little family" and Adelita's "guide and protector." Growing up, they spoke the Indigenous language found in Mexico called Mixtec. The family moved to the U.S. when the sisters were children. "Adapting to life in the U.S. was challenging," writes Adelita. "We didn't speak Spanish or English, which isolated us at school. Rosa, ever the resilient leader, helped us both learn Spanish with the aid of a loving teacher who visited our home daily. Rosa's perseverance not only helped us adapt but also paved the way for her to become the first shaping how we treat each other and face challenges. I am forever grateful for her guidance and love."
