Having a Sister Makes You Happier and More Optimistic

re: Having a Sister Makes You Happier and More Optimistic

Liz Smith — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 22:16:08 GMT

Being the middle child of 3, my eldest sister died when she was 13 leaving a younger sister and myself. As I'm now the eldest one I thought it was my part to help the younger one. This I've done all our lives. I've bailed her out, many times. Never refused to help when the phone went in the middle of the night - the list is endless. Added to all this she lives in Australia half way round the world. Two years ago she said she wanted me out of her life as I was a complete control freak. The one and only time I asked for her help she said she couldnt do anything seeing as where she was down under.

Don't be sad for me, I've got myself a lovely Danish sister now, we have a great time, we vacation together, do things for each other like sisters are supposed to do. I now have three lovely 'neices' who come and spend time with me, and bring all their lovely pals with them. I only wish I had adopted her years ago. My boys like their new 'aunt' very much too.

re: Having a Sister Makes You Happier and More Optimistic

ruthrw — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:46:35 GMT

Depends on the family. Depends on the sister. I have 4. One I love dearly, and the rest I hope I never see again. When my parents died a few years ago I was freed from the necessity of dealing with them. For as long as they were alive I honored my parent's wishes and tried to get along. Afterward, I heard God say "It is finished", and knew I was free.

re: Having a Sister Makes You Happier and More Optimistic

patscat — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 04:27:07 GMT

I am the youngest of five girls , 10 years span and we are all seniors now just enjoying life and happy to have each other. Being the youngest of the five girls I found as I watched them raise their families and in their marriages I learned alot from them, they were my mentors in many ways. We all live in different places but get together every summer and spend one week just loving each others company, we laugh, cry and share good stories with lots of good food as we all like to cook. We have been the envy of many women who had no sisters or didn't get along well with them. We feel blessed. I myself have 3 sons and they are good brothers to each other but definitely not like sisters would be as I see it.

re: Having a Sister Makes You Happier and More Optimistic

lovechubb — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 04:00:23 GMT

While growing up, my sister and I would create our own plays in the back yard and then force ( or rather kindly insist) the family watch us perform.

For Fathers day we would make up skits for him to watch that would let him know we loved him. We would dance and make up stories and because of the hit show "the smothers brothers" we would call ourselves the smothers sisters and perform daily :)~ growing up with my sister was rather special and nice~~ As we got older weight and fashion differences caused resentment between us and jealousy. I really missed having my sister those years, but as we get older the LOVE gets as genuine as when we were kids~ my sister always says "adventure on" and i love that. :)

re: Having a Sister Makes You Happier and More Optimistic

Charmer — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 02:02:44 GMT

In my case, I do not agree with this article. It may be true for some, but in my situation - my sister is always in competition with me, and making my life miserable. If sisters could be friends, then I do believe this could work, but not when one party is jealous, and petty.

re: Having a Sister Makes You Happier and More Optimistic

nhmiller — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:52:18 GMT

This explains why I have had so many women friends.My siblings: 3 brothers. I was 2nd of the 4. Communication, especially of emotions, was zilch.

re: Having a Sister Makes You Happier and More Optimistic

Michelle37 — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:40:35 GMT

I have two older sisters. We're very close now, despite the fact we're hundreds of miles apart. We have become closer after the death of my dad, because we're the only living family we have. I do miss my brother; I think he was emotionally more sensitive because of having us sisters. Yet I think he missed having another brother to play with and look up to; my dad was never around to do that for him.

re: Having a Sister Makes You Happier and More Optimistic

NYVTMEUS — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 01:04:39 GMT

I had 3 older brothers who were all my Dads first priority. I spent way too much time forced to watch their games while I never was encouraged to fulfull my potential. They never came to any of my activities or ever bothered to get to know my boyfriends. They even tried to sleep with my high school friends. They all marrie and all expected me to babysit for free. I tried my best to be a good sister..just never got a relationship connection in return. I somehow hoped friends would fill the void, but naturally there came the time when their families and children take up their time. Now at 40, I am just able to handle the resentment for my lost childhood and too high expectations from relationships through therapy. My therapist feels I have way too high an expectation of a partner because I was neglected so severely and routinely. My brothers never call, I get an occassional obligatory invite from their wives for a holiday dinner which I choose to not go anymore because I feel it is just adding to the already painful memories of my brothers. I would give up all I have to feel unconditionally loved, cherished and valued by a sister or brother. I was not so lucky.

re: Having a Sister Makes You Happier and More Optimistic

LoveIsTheWay — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 23:05:42 GMT

Uncle Lou, some observations:

1. You began with "I'm sure this will be taken the wrong way." Hmm.... In my own life, I eventually recognized that when I used phrases like that, some part of me knew I was about to be unfair. Now, however, I can't fool myself anymore(!). When I hear that phrase in my mind, I sigh, because I know I'm gonna have to clean up my perspective before I can write more. Recognize anything here?

2. Your post "leaked" bias by portraying women as bigger messes than men. No doubt a great many men would agree with you! However, that doesn't mean the bias is accurate. [In fact, it might just mean such men didn't grow up with emotionally healthy sisters!]

3. As for a general agenda of emasculating males, I've definitely seen that. Are you familiar with New World Order information? NWO folks want ultimate control of the planet, & systematically emasculating men is a part of their strategy. [Check out author Henry Makow's site: www.savethemales.ca ]

As for the N.O.W. group you mentioned, did you know the Rockefellers (US arm of NWO folks) funded them? Gloria Steinem has acknowledged they gave her, her start.

It's no coincidence that NWO folks are primary investors in Holllywood & advertising. They bought up media influence in the early 1900's already to "shape" perception on behalf of their goals. Ever do they operate in the shadows.

Yet you've picked up on a current manipulation. Good for you! Now consider the next step--researching who is pulling strings & where (so you won't fall into their trap of blaming others for what they do). For a giant wake-up call, start with Google documentary The Money Masters. There you'll get the really big picture of how we're manipulated economically (& $ is power you know). The web has a wealth of info. Try searches for emasculation of men; "New World Order; etc.

I'm glad you risked saying what you said, Uncle Lou! Hopefully, you'll also develop a thirst for deep causes.

re: Having a Sister Makes You Happier and More Optimistic

dipeachey — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 19:21:19 GMT

Whoever wrote this never met my sister! She has been a nightmare for the entire family!

re: Having a Sister Makes You Happier and More Optimistic

SammieSusa — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 19:13:35 GMT

My sister who is 5 years older than me were never close growing up. Now we are best friends. Maturity helps alot. I am so glad I have my sister.

re: Having a Sister Makes You Happier and More Optimistic

MySweetMary68 — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:03:53 GMT

I have three sisters. The four of us are best friends. We have lunch together (try to) once a month. We dress up, go to nice places to eat and give each other presents for no reason. Been doing this for years. Our age now..76 down to 63. We are known for our physical beauty by those who know "us girls", but it is our inner beauty that makes us such friends and so happy. Don't get me wrong we do sometimes have our squabbles but always work them out. We also had two older brothers. A great family. Wouldn't change us for any other way of life.

re: Having a Sister Makes You Happier and More Optimistic

Tupelohonee — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:58:28 GMT

I have FIVE sisters, and had four brothers. I love being from a large family. One brother was very outgoing and showed affection easily. The other three were less communicative, but would've been there if you needed them. We're all in our 40's, 50's, and 60's now. I've lost three of the brothers through the years, from accident or illness. The six "girls" get together as often as possible and are extremely close. My brother doesn't travel as much because of back problems, but he's very welcoming when we see him. If it had been left to the brothers we wouldn't have been such a close family. Women tend to keep up with birthdays, sending cards and gifts, and reaching out more to stay in touch or plan get togethers. Maybe it's a "girl" thing!

re: Having a Sister Makes You Happier and More Optimistic

unclelou1comcastnet — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 06:20:55 GMT

I'm sure this will be taken the wrong way, but I see this article and the alleged research as just another way to denigrate men and boys. I believe such studies are funded by radical feminist groups, including the National Organization of Women. Their agenda seems to be one of emasculating the male species by demonizing normal male behavior and attempting to destroy it with drugs like Ritalin. Here's what common sense has told the human race for thousands of years: men think more on a linear level than women do, so, when women tend to become overemotional and irrational, men are there to help them temper that over-the-top behavior. Likewise, women help men to act in a more civilized, loving fashion, when their behavior gets too far on the testosterone side. In other words, each gender has something to offer the other in the way of balance and harmony. Take a close look at popular media, commercial spots on TV and radio and observe how men and boys are portrayed. There are few, if any, positive characterizations that are male, especially in family-type sitcoms. We as humans are all individuals and are subject to the same greatnesses and foibles, whether we're male or female. Instead of trying to destroy one another or make each other obsolete, we need to recognize that men and women are different and we have something to offer each other.

re: Having a Sister Makes You Happier and More Optimistic

squeegee — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 05:43:27 GMT

I noticed in high school that the boys who had a big sister were a lot more friendly and outgoing.

Generally, the people with an older sibling of the same sex, were less friendly, sarcastic, nasty. not a rule, just a general pattern.