When you are the
younger child in a family you have to listen not only to your parents,
but to older siblings as well. A younger sister will often complain
about being treated like a baby, or being bossed around by her much
older sister when they were younger, but it’s not all sunshine and
rainbows for big sis either. There are a bunch of things that your older
sister never really complained about or feel the need to tell you
about, knowing that you will come to understand such things when you get
older.
1. She spent years as a single child and lived under stricter rules
When your parents had her they didn’t really know what they were doing and they
felt incredibly protective,
so your sister ended up living under very strict rules. By the time you
came along, they had already learned to be a bit more lenient. Your
sister essentially paved the way for you, and there were times when she
wished you appreciated that fact a bit more.
2. She was put up to higher standards because she was the older one
Not
only did she have to take the full brunt of your parents’ attention
before you came along, but she was actually held accountable later on,
because she was the older one who needs to know better. She’d take a
bullet for you from time to time, and while it was frustrating it helped
her become a more mature and responsible person, and having a
successful older sibling
can be beneficial for you as well.
3. More often than not, she’d find herself trying to be a good role model
Since
your older sister was forced to act a lot more mature than other kids
her age, she’d end up thinking about her choices and actions, because
she knew full well that you looked up to her. Although she might have
wanted to be a bit irresponsible and have fun, at times she had to use
self-control and try to set a good example.
4. She made things easier for you by giving you her hard-earned bits of wisdom
When
she went through rough times, got in fights with mom and dad, had
trouble in school – she had to figure it all out for herself. She had to
take a few hard falls in order to get back up stronger, but she was
more than happy to give you all the little tips, tricks and gems of
wisdom that she learned the hard way. The advice might have seemed as
nagging at times, but she just didn’t want you to go through all the
troubled that she did.
5. She knew you’d have to make some of the same mistakes, but couldn’t talk you out of it
While
she did her best to give you some pointers and guidelines, some things
you just have to experience for yourself to truly appreciate. There were
times when she watched you make mistakes, and she knew that you
wouldn’t listen, but she was still there to comfort you afterwards.
6. She also gave your parents tips and helped them deal with you
Of
course, it is inevitable to have a few stern talks with your parents
and get punished, but what you didn’t appreciate when you were younger
was the fact that your older sister gave parents some insight into how
you felt and helped them find the best way to approach you in that
situation. She took up the role of mediator when it was necessary, and
even sided with you when you were clearly in the wrong.
7. It both excited and frightened her when you became old enough to start dating
When
you have a much older sister you are always the baby in the family, but
as you grow older there comes a point where you can speak to each other
as friends as well. It’s usually about the time you start dating. She
gives you tips on how to deal with the confusing mess that is the
teenage girl’s psyche, and you can also learn some useful tips on makeup
and what to expect from boys.
Talking with your parents about sex
is a weird experience, but your older sister can provide some
much-needed guidance without you feel too uncomfortable. On one hand
your sister was glad that she will be able to share such things with
you, but on the other hand she was worried that you might get your heart
broken.
8. When she critiqued you or teased you, it was so that you would become a better person
Sometimes
your older sister would seem mean, like she didn’t care about your
problems or like she just wanted to tease you for the fun of it.
However, a lot of the time it was used as a means of motivating you to
do better or to toughen up – wanting to prove someone wrong or “show
them” is the best source of motivation. If things go a little too far,
it’s easy to
make a sincere apology and make up, so this tough love tends to become a common strategy.
9. She had to act as teacher, caretaker and bodyguard, and she didn’t always know what she was doing
An
older sister will stand up for you, help you out with bullies, feed
you, help you out with homework and teach you valuable skills. The thing
is, she didn’t receive any formal training and she didn’t really know
what she was doing a lot of the time. However, that didn’t stop her from
trying her best to keep you safe and help you out with anything you
needed. An older sister’s boyfriend is also a great influence and can
have “the talk” with your new boyfriend.
10. She knew that she’d be the first one you call in an emergency and was ready for anything
An
older sister has to be ready for literally anything. Driving you home
wasted from a party, helping you sober up and cleaning up the mess so
the parents don’t find out? Check. Taking you shopping? Check. Borrowing
you cash so you can go to a concert you’ve been waiting for? Check.
Your sister used to get into all kinds of trouble herself and understand
that she has to be ready to help you out with similar problems, and
perhaps even some unique ones that she never came across. It’s not a big
surprise to her when you come to her in a panic, but she will make sure
that you know how big of a favor she is doing for you.
These are
just some of the things that a much older sister went through, but never
really wanted to mention. At the end of the day, she loves you like no
one else in the whole world, and while she did help make you into the
person you are today, she is aware that you, in turn, had a big positive
effect on her life as well.
Source:Lifehack.org