how to befriend your siblings

Hi, I'm Sofia and almost one year ago I hated my brother.

I'm not proud of it, but it's true. We used to fight almost twice a day and didn't talk to each other. At all.

What happened?

Well, we were locked in the same house for three months and a half. Yeah. That was rough, not gonna lie. At the beginning we almost killed each other (figuratively), but then, as things progressed, we knew we had to find a solution.

So, here are my tips on how to befriend your siblings!

This seems very basic, but it's one of the best things you can do. My brother and I always fought because he'd do something bad to me and I'd respond with something bad too. As time went by I decided to ask him why he was doing it and he said that he just wanted to stay with me and get my attention, because he felt lonely.

So, when this happens with you and your siblings, try asking them why. It's simple, but it'll help.

As shops here in Milan reopened we started going out together. It was simple things like going to the city centre and getting orange juice and donuts or going to the comics shop and buy some comics. We call this the "Siblings Days"; we walk around and we talk a lot, which brings us to the next tip.

It's no secret that I really love superheroes (c'mon, I even make a series about it here on Radioimmaginaria; called Super Time) and my brother does too; even though he isn't as obsessed with them as I am, but everyone has flaws. So, during our Siblings Days, we talk about superheroes; who we like and why, things like that.

The secret to have a conversation with your siblings that isn't only made of screams is, in fact, to find your common ground; something you both love and can talk about together.

Now, it's not like all our problems got solved by the snap of a finger. We still fight; not every day, but sometimes it can happen. But you can prevent it from getting out of hand if you set a safe word.

It can be whatever word you choose (maybe not curse word, but you do you) and you have to agree on it. So, if you feel that a fight is starting to get too heated, say this word and you'll be forced to stop.

I'm here for some friendly bickering; my brother keeps on teasing me because he's taller than me, even though he's five years younger and I'm okay with that (or, at least, I try to be).

I really hope this article helped you and remember: siblings are basically strangers that you got stuck in an elevator with. Yes, you could try killing them, but, in order to survive, you have to befriend them. Especially if you are quarantining with them.

Foto di Nina