My Own Worst Enemy, My Best Friend
Bickering is usually hottest between sisters growing up. Brothers can slug each other a few times and be best friends twenty minutes later, but sisters can hold grudges for days that end up in arguments, cat fights, and petty tricks. People say that things will get better when you are all older. What if that isn't good enough? What if you want to be best friends with your sister now? Start by telling her you want to make her your best friend and make sure she agrees and is willing to put forth the effort. There aren't many suggestions out there to make you sister your best friend, but start with these:
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Time Together
If you really want to be best friends with your sister, you have to spend time together, and not just time in the same room watching the television but quality time. Quality time is time spent together that actually means something and that you interact together as friends would. Go shopping together, attend functions together, and do things together that you would do with a best friend. If there is a school dance and you are thinking of doubling with a friend, make that friend your sister. You may not be best friends yet, but if you actually spend time together, soon you will be.
Find Common Ground
Although you may not think so, you and your sister share common interests. Figure out what you both like to do and do it together. Workout together, go driving together, go dancing together, or do together whatever holds both your interests. If you can find things in common with your sister, you can balance out the things that annoy you about her with the things you love about her, just like any other friend you have. Think about the people you are friends with. You are friends with them because you hold common interests, you have classes in common, or you take the same electives like choir or sports. Your sister can be a friend too, and you'll probably find you have more in common that you do with most of your other friends.
Confidants
A best friend is a confidant. Keep your sister close. Share your secrets with her. If you value her opinion, she will know that you value her. Girls like to talk about boys, fashion, and growing up, so share your hopes and dreams with your sister. Share your goals and plans for the future. When your sister reciprocates, actively listen. Keep her confidences. Keep her secrets. If you tell others your sister's darkest fears, she will probably hate you. The same goes with anything she entrusts to you. Be her confidant and allow her to be yours and soon you will at least friends if not best friends. It takes getting vulnerable with people to make long-lasting friendships. Things don't change just because she's your sibling.
Compliments
People will always feel friendlier toward you if you give them sincere compliments. Your sister is no different. Compliment her on what you love about her. When you think she looks nice, tell her so. When you think she looks drab, find something else to compliment and keep that comment to yourself. Sincere compliments will brighten her day and she will appreciate you more for your sincere efforts. Compliments can also come in the form of loans and small gifts. If you have the shoes that would match her outfit perfectly, loan them to her before she asks. A small meaningful gift when she is feeling down can turn your relationship around.
