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Siblings can fight like cats and dogs one moment, but then heroically defend each other the next. It's a nuanced, deep-rooted relationship that follows people well beyond childhood and is sometimes difficult to describe with words alone. So let's take a look at the Instagram account @siblingmemes.official! Filled with jokes about sharing bedrooms, arguing over the TV remote, and silently teaming up against your parents, it perfectly illustrates what it's actually like to have brothers and sisters. You'll laugh, then wonder how they got footage of your life.
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#3
Daisydaisy 5 days ago
We're mean because once upon a time we were a happy little princess living with the king and queen ... and then you lot came along and trashed the joint!
"The role of siblings goes far beyond childhood power struggles or alliances over who gets to control the TV remote," says psychotherapist Ilene S. Cohen, Ph.D., who teaches in the Department of Counseling at Barry University.
"Siblings often serve as emotional mirrors. Through them, we learn how to manage conflict, express empathy, compete, collaborate, and reconcile. Unlike parent-child relationships, sibling interactions are horizontal rather than hierarchical, creating a space for children to practice interacting with equals."
#4
Mel 5 days ago
My sibling is 12 years older than me. We're both fully grown adults, he had a child with his wife 6 years ago. I still wouldn't let him borrow my charger and often think of the times he didn't let me play with Hot Wheels with him and my cousin years ago. Not funny, P. You can still have my kidney, though.
#6
Auntriarch 5 days ago
Oh dear, I just choked on my coffee, must send this to my brother. And maybe my mother.
From a Bowen Family Systems Theory perspective, siblings form the bedrock of each other's social and emotional development. "They are our first peers, and these relationships provide the framework for how we interact with the world," Cohen says.
"Whether we lean toward cooperation or competition, sensitivity or distance, or develop a leadership style versus a more passive role, much of it stems from the unique dynamics we experience with our brothers or sisters."
#7
Did I say that out loud? 5 days ago
It's not always accidental, though, especially when you're the youngest.
#9
Mel in Georgia 5 days ago
Our family had a rule: One sibling cuts, the other sibling gets to choose the half.
Daisydaisy 5 days ago
It took me a while to work that one out with my kids, but OMG the difference when I did!
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Karen Lyon 3 days ago
When the five of us were young, our late Mom, who was an RN, worked the late shift in the labor and delivery room at our local hospital. Every once in awhile, she'd go by the donut shop so she could treat our family to donuts. The staff there thought she was crazy when she told them the donuts had to have the EXACT same amount of sprinkles on them, or there would be chaos in our house. We are all in our 60's now, and to this day no one disputes that!
Many of these memes poke fun at personality traits siblings develop based on birth order, a subject that researcher Walter Toman explored as well.
His work indicates that firstborn children often take on leadership roles, displaying qualities such as responsibility, organization, and a desire to please authority figures.
These traits usually develop because older siblings are often expected to set an example for their younger siblings. Conversely, later-born children, such as second or third children, may develop characteristics that contrast with those of their older siblings.
According to Toman, middle children, in particular, have a unique position within the sibling hierarchy. They often feel “sandwiched” between their elder and younger siblings, and this can lead to distinct personality traits.
They tend to be peacemakers, highly adaptable, and sensitive to the environment around them. Middle children often develop skills related to negotiation and compromise as they navigate the varying expectations and roles established by their siblings. This adaptability helps them become more independent and resourceful.
However, they may also exhibit traits of rebellion or nonconformity as they strive to carve out their own identity in contrast to the established roles held by their elder siblings.
Youngest children, on the other hand, develop personalities shaped by growing up with older, more established siblings. These folks are typically more flexible and socially skilled because they had to adapt to family dynamics that were already in place before they were born. Youngest siblings may be less inclined toward traditional leadership roles and instead excel as collaborators or supporters, often using charm, humor, or creativity to gain attention and assert themselves.
#19
"When siblings act as allies, they buffer the stress of difficult childhood experiences," Cohen adds. "Siblings often 'co-parent' one another in family systems where parents are emotionally unavailable, creating informal caregiving roles that may later inform professions or partnerships."
"Siblings are usually present for milestone moments, ranging from weddings to funerals, and their shared experiences form a unique repository of familial history."
#20
BeesEelsAndPups 5 days ago
When my brothers and I lived together chargers weren't really a thing kids had. I got my first cell phone when I was 20 because I was moving to Egypt for work, and I would be traveling a lot and needed a way to talk to the office. That was over 25 years ago.
#22
Howl's sleeping castle 5 days ago
Was and still am the coolest sibling with an added title of coolest aunt
#26
Nicole Weymann 5 days ago
From my limited experience a younger sibling. I've learned to heartily distrust mine with any beans I don't want spilled. 40+ years later it still holds true.
#28
#29
#32
BeesEelsAndPups 5 days ago
I set up my parents wifi network. Their password is RafaIsOurFavorite. They don't know how to change it. Watching them tell my brothers the new password was precious. I won the war MFs! Mwah-ha-ha!
#35
#36
Mel in Georgia 5 days ago
I got hit with "Oh, you're (little brother's) sister. I'm so sorry. (He was just annoying, not horrible.)
#41
#44
Mel in Georgia 5 days ago
I was the introvert, my brother was the obnoxious extrovert - he always did the asking. Thanks, obnoxious bro! Love ya!
#48
Auntriarch 5 days ago
This is sad for me. My middle niece used to video her brother and sister kicking off when they were staying with my brother, and send the video to their mother.
#50
Sarah 5 days ago
I did this with box of roses chocolates. You could stick your finger ( small hands as child) into side and slip a choc out. Did it a few times. All fun until a neighbour passed, mam took the box up with some flowers to the family. I knew box was Not full by any means. Still think abt it and that was 1988
#51
#55
Mel in Georgia 5 days ago
I was a terrible older sister to my bratty younger brother until he got bigger than me. Then I became his protector because other kids picked on him. *I* was the only one who could pick on him! Many bullies felt my wrath.
#56
Vexed Panda 5 days ago
We were all adopted. I was adopted before i was born. They got the others at the used baby mart...and it shows.
#61
#64
tarryn norwich 4 days ago
Me watching my bro get in trouble for a rager of a party I threw lol.
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What do you think ?
Hyacinth (Any pronouns) 5 days ago
I have a younger brother, and he's amazing. I'm so excited to go home for the holidays, I miss my family a lot.
Zig Zag Wanderer 5 days ago (edited)
Well, my eldest brother is a right PITA. He always does whatever he wants, and ignores what I want. I mean, he's 67 and I'm 60, but he's still like this 😂
Mel in Georgia 5 days ago
My brother and I have so many things in common yet have such different personalities. I'm so glad we're friends in adulthood - he's known me as long as anyone else and it's great to be able to compare histories. Love having a sibling!
nut nibbler 5 days ago
How straight siblings always expect the gay one is the one that should look after the parents. Controversial I know but I've come across it time after time.
Hyacinth (Any pronouns) 5 days ago
I have a younger brother, and he's amazing. I'm so excited to go home for the holidays, I miss my family a lot.
Zig Zag Wanderer 5 days ago (edited)
Well, my eldest brother is a right PITA. He always does whatever he wants, and ignores what I want. I mean, he's 67 and I'm 60, but he's still like this 😂
Mel in Georgia 5 days ago
My brother and I have so many things in common yet have such different personalities. I'm so glad we're friends in adulthood - he's known me as long as anyone else and it's great to be able to compare histories. Love having a sibling!
nut nibbler 5 days ago
How straight siblings always expect the gay one is the one that should look after the parents. Controversial I know but I've come across it time after time.
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