SIBLING RIVALRY

This topic is as old as time itself! (Lol...I have been meaning to use that phrase for long! so appropriate or not, we shall just dump it here). My heart truly goes out to all those who grew up without siblings because even though they are both a blessing and a curse (true story), having one is one of the best gifts in life. I believe the relationship between siblings transitions about three phases through life (or so I think):

Phase One "I hate him/her": This is typically during the toddler and pre-adolescent phase, your sibling during this stage is your self-declared enemy of the state, what you guys are quarreling over can only be understood by the gods. Your fighting style ranges from mortal combat to power rangers mode (yea...you guessed right I always emerge the champion *side eye*). Anyways, this is the fun stage because you give each other marks memories for life and never take things too seriously, simply put life is all about fun and games.

Phase Two "I can best him/her": Brace yourself folks, this is the complicated stage and irritatingly it draws on for longer than you would care for. At this stage, you have outgrown the childish trickery and life has started kicking in, you let others into your life and build bridges or fences in the process. This is where "life happens" folks and it is quite saddening, the flippancy with which most people handle this otherwise crucial stage. This where ambition, societal/peer pressure can get the better of us and invariably how we interact with others even family...never scatter diamonds while gathering stones.

Phase Three "I need him/her": On about now, the 'dust has settled' and priorities are being set right. Life has taught you a fair share of blows it thinks you deserve as well as fellow humans (trust some people to have a Phd in this! *smh*). At this stage, regardless of your maturity, you have developed a strong sense of discernment...the coin side you choose is entirely up to you. We start to appreciate the things that truly matter and see the beauty in family because then we realize that they are everything! They will stick through whatever weather even when they don't need or want to...that is what they are built for.

So, while you are hassling to be the golden star of the family, proclaiming a sibling foe or even outstretching a minor dispute which otherwise should have been long forgotten, spare a moment to ask yourself what the end gain is!? the answer will humble you. Errmm...least I forget, just realized I chose the wrong topic for this post seeing it was more family-centered! so please help me change it to #family-something on your way out..Thanks in advance lol.