by Linden O’Brien-Williams

Looking back on it, it seems more than likely that while growing up I played the “annoying little sister” role. Because of my annoyingness, (my sister) Rowan’s “I’m too cool for this” attitude, our age gap, and the natural occurrence of sibling rivalries, we rarely got along growing up. A lot of arguments included someone tattling (me) and someone (also me) getting nails dug in her arm.

Despite all of this, there were those few moments when she’d surprise me with her kindness by kidnapping me to cuddle when she had a nightmare or maybe a nice makeover when we had nothing better to do. However, as we got older, we started to get along much better. Maybe she got nicer, or maybe I got less annoying. Whatever it was, when she first started to give me rides and stopped complaining about spending time with me, I started to really appreciate having an older sister and getting along with her.

The only downside to this was that by the time we did finally get along, it was almost time for her to leave for college.

As I was shopping for my eighth grade school supplies, my sister was shopping for dorm room necessities and packing up for college. She was on the path to adulthood while I was still in middle school.

No matter how much she teased or tormented me, I did not want my sister to leave. No sister living at home meant no combined wardrobes, nobody to curl my hair and no older sister to confide in and laugh with. Once Rowan left, I had a hard time adjusting. I missed her all the time. It was a weird new feeling to be the only kid at home. To be honest, I hated it.

That being said, I simply can’t understand my friends that I hear saying “I can’t wait for my sister (or brother) to leave for college”. Don’t wish the little time that you have with them away!

When I actually thought about it, there was definitely some good that came out of our separation. First of all, when I wasn’t copying everything Rowan did, I learned to think for myself and become more of my own person. I soon realized that I didn’t like the techno music she blasted all the time that I was forced to listen to any time I was anywhere near her.

My style developed, my personality developed, I even started to find other interests. Besides becoming my own person, I also learned to appreciate the moments I do get to spend with my sister, family and friends more.

“Absence makes the heart grow fonder” may be the cheesiest quote possible, but it’s extremely true in my situation. When my sister does come home, we like to spend our time with each other instead of fighting over something as minor as a bobby pin or charger.

I realize that not all of you may get along with your siblings – and believe me when I say I know what that’s like – but why not try to? Quit complaining about your annoying little sister, or how your older brother has the bigger room that you deserve.

Now, looking back on it, I still see how annoying I was, but I also see all the moments I could have gotten along with my sister but I didn’t. If you’re an older sibling, be nicer. If you’re younger, be less annoying. In the long run, you’ll be much happier you did.