Having siblings isn’t always a blast. They snoop through your stuff, annoy you to no end, and get into the most ridiculous fights. But they’re also the people you can depend on, especially when things get rough. They’ve seen you through your awkward puberty phase, comforted you when your heart got broken, and stood by you tirelessly through all of life’s ups and downs. In short, they rock.
With National Siblings Day coming up, here are some true reasons why your brothers and sisters are the best. Read on.
Having a sibling makes you a better person.
A study at Brigham Young University found that “having a loving sibling of either gender promoted good deeds, such as helping a neighbor or watching out for other kids at school.” The study also found that loving siblings encourage more acts of kindness versus loving parents.
Having siblings can prolong your life.
The same study found that, on average, people who have excellent relationships with friends and family live 7.5 years longer than those with poor social ties. It’s theorized that caring for loved ones (and, by effect, having a good relationship with your siblings) will also inspire you to take better care of yourself.
Having siblings can improve your social skills.
People who are close to their siblings are natural diplomats. They’re so used to dealing with different personalities, unpredictable mood swings, and petty fights on a regular basis, that they could probably be called upon to settle the peace should World War III erupt. Given this, it’s not surprising that folks with siblings usually have better relationships with their peers.
Having a sibling can affect your weight.
And no, it’s not because you can easily get them to go with you on late-night pizza runs. According to a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, kids with obese siblings are more than five times more likely to be overweight as well. Because younger siblings look up to older children, establishing good dietary habits will prove to be beneficial for the whole family.
Having siblings can make you happier.
It has been found that people who grew up with sisters are able to communicate more openly, are more independent, and are more supportive of each other compared to people who have no sisters. Isn’t sisterhood great?
Don’t forget to celebrate your bond with your family this coming National Siblings Day! Get up to 25% off selected Nixplay Frames, only until April 10!
Marianne is Nixplay’s Web Content Editor. Her hobbies include exploring new places, playing table tennis, and cuddling puppies. Send her a message at marianne.salazar@nixplay.com.