Sibling relationships are often the embodiment of ‘can’t live with them, can’t live without them.’ A sibling can sometimes be the most annoying person to have ever existed for you, but if someone so much as gives them a snide look, they will have you to deal with! And each pair of siblings has their own way to look at this bond. So, on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, here’s looking at the different types of siblings and sibling relationships that exist…
The Proxy Parent
This one is usually for older siblings, but roles do get reversed sometimes. They make sure that you are fed properly, tucked in at night and look out for you in the strictest, yet most caring way possible. Even when you get older, and possibly could be away from them, they check in on you, and always make sure that they are there when you need them.
Oh Captain, My Captain
Some older siblings often play the leader’s, or captain’s role. And end up following them. Right from our childhood, these older siblings are our role models. You want to walk like them, talk like them, act like them and even eat the same things. They are the captain of your ship, and they steer you — on some days, straight into the deep ocean!
Tom and Jerry
Did you and your sibling pull each other’s hair, throw punches, or complain to your mother (often, intentionally) about the other’s mischief? The love-hate relationship and constant mischievous shenanigans of Tom and Jerry embody this sibling relationship. We all remember the cat-and-mouse chases through the house or para, the WWE-inspired mockfights or not being allowed to bat in a cricket match (younger siblings unite!). But just like Tom and Jerry, the fighting is superficial, the chases are fun and at the end of the day, they just can’t live without each other.
The Defender
Nope, not the Marvel series.
As you grow older, your relationships change. The person who used to steal the change lying in your drawer, becomes the one helping you hide beer bottles. The person who’d fight with you at the slightest things, becomes your wall against the parents’ scolding. They turn into your fiercest protectors, and your biggest cheerleaders. So, naturally when your siblings grow older, and they move away, it does feel like your best friend and your confidante is leaving.
The long-distance sibling
This type is a special kind of ninja. They may not be near you, but are still privy to all your secrets, probably courtesy of the years spent growing up together, living in the same house. Being away from each other, there’s always a virtual celebration on birthdays and special occasions, complete with cake deliveries (thank you Swiggy and Zomato). Special celebrations like Rakhi involve gifts pre-approved from a wishlist that has all your favourite picks. This is that sibling who might be separated by geography, but is never more than a phone call away.
