Siblings are great, even if you don’t always remember that. Yes, they were put on this earth to torture and embarrass you throughout your childhood, but they also serve a more positive purpose. In case you forgot, here are ten important bonuses of having siblings.
There’s always somebody else to blame
The smashed vase? Wasn’t you. Beer bottles in the basement? Ditto. If you’re an only child, it’s hard to point the finger elsewhere, but siblings were invented for this exact purpose.
Parental attention deflecting
You really don’t want to be the sole receiver of all of your parents’ attention, especially during the teenage years. Siblings are the best to dole out the attention in palatable portions, so you can maintain your sanity.
More TOYS
When you’re young, this is a huge one. Yes, you probably had to share them all, but think of the awesome variety you had to choose from based on your sheer numbers? This meant that your Lego forts were that much better.
Your wardrobe doubles (or triples, etc.) in size
Even if you and your siblings aren’t the same gender, this still applies (at least for the chicks who get to borrow their brothers’ sweatshirts and all that good, comfy stuff). But why only deal with one closet when you could have three?
You’re given the opportunity to refine the art of argument at a young age
This is an important one. People with siblings are basically guaranteed at least one opinionated discussion — shouting match — a day, preparing them to better express themselves when they’re older. Or at least express themselves louder.
You get a built-in base of sibling friends to ogle
Though they’re usually off-limits (making them even more desirable), siblings’ friends are the best eye candy, especially when they’re older than you. It makes sitting around the house on weekends a much more appealing activity, especially if you know that so-and-so is planning on coming round.
There’s always somebody to give you the (sometimes literal) kick in the behind you need
Siblings will never pass up the opportunity to put you in your place, and you know even from a young age that you need it. Parents are good for this one too, but sometimes there’s nothing more effective than an older brother telling you to quit your ratchet nonsense.
The endless opportunities for awkward family photos
A picture is worth a thousand words. Just look at that unbridled joy.
Somebody is there to help share the costs of presents for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, parents’ birthdays, anniversaries, etc.
Chances are, one of you will be making more money than the rest when you’re older. This means you can nudge them into paying more than their share so you can still afford little things, like rent and groceries, for yourself.
Two words: Fake ID
If you have an older sibling of the same gender who looks even remotely like you, this is the move to make. You’ll soon be the envy of your friends – or at least the one that they all give extra cash to in order to snag them some beer at the store.