Talking Points: Do you get along with your sibling?
Siblings grow up in the same home and play a unique role in each other’s lives. Here, Young Post readers talk about the relationship with their brother or sister
Ally Chan, 15, Baptist Lui Ming Choi Secondary School
My relationship with my siblings is like fire; it can be a beacon on the road, or it can be destructive. Disputes are unavoidable and can destroy relationships, but my sibling is the one who cheers me up in hard times, who understands the true me under layers of facade. It is in those times when you realise that your siblings are the ones who will stand by you, no matter what.
Angelina Wang, 15, Chinese International School
My sister and I have a friendship closer than anything ... but we also have plenty of conflicts and little spats. We gladly – and regularly – spend time together, listening to music and scream-singing songs in the car together, or watching videos and movies together. Most importantly, we trust each other more than anyone in the world. But at the same time, we bicker constantly. For example, we just spent 10 minutes fighting over a pack of grape Hi-Chews. As all siblings, we have our highs and lows, but ultimately we’re best friends and confidantes for life (who also happen to fight over food every day).
Veronica Lin, 17
Ah ... siblings. Don’t get me started. My sister and I are “frenemies” ... not exactly friends, not enemies, just sisters who happen to be separated by a huge age gap. She is almost eight years younger than me, so I often feel that because I am the older sibling, I also have to take on a parenting role.
Whenever my mom catches my sister playing video games or spending hours and hours “managing” her Weibo page, the two of them start yelling. That’s when I, the mediator, come into the room to save the day. I think many parents have a hard time keeping up with their kids, learning their language as well as their way of life – which is based around technology. So, it is very helpful for older siblings like myself to help our parents and younger siblings communicate with each other.
Clara Chan Hoi-ying, 18, Wa Ying College
I have a younger brother and we are close friends. We are only one year apart, so he often helps me with academic problems, while I share all my notes and books with him. However, at school we seldom talk about each other and even pretend not to know each other. But we do this so we can build our unique personal image and not be compared to each other.
Pauline Wong, 15, Maryknoll Convent School
Despite being polar opposites, my brother and I actually get along pretty well! While he’s drooling over computer programming and robots, I focus mainly on literature and filmmaking. But even with our different personalities, we adore playing chess and video games, so our friendship is pretty unique.