siblinghoods & best friends

As an only child whose parents rarely stayed in one country for more than three years, it was impossible to create lifelong friendships. Seldom was I bored - I was a happy kid with an imagination big enough to put a down payment on the Naughty Corner. I had many friends who had many siblings, and despite regular inquiries on my sibling-less status, I never craved the presence of a brother or sister.

**

That is, until now. I'm in my mid-twenties, and I don't think I have a single friend who is an only child. And I tell you, by comparison, life can be a little lonely. I've seen the evolution of many siblinghoods and it's more beautiful than the time-lapse of a blooming flower. Don't worry, this is where the cheesy, cliche metaphors end. I think. 

No matter how close of a friendship I've developed with someone, it's still nothing in comparison to the connection I see between siblings. Not even close. The true definition of a best friend might lie in your shared DNA. I have enough jealousy to fill an Olympic pool. And then some.

Here are 5 reasons your siblings are your best friends - through the eyes of an only child: 

1. They know you.

Surprise, surprise. Nothing new. Think about it, though. It's actually quite intimidating, and maybe even a little scary. They know everything. They know your first crush, your first fail, your first win. They know green really isn't your favourite colour, and they know how spicy you like your food (no matter how brave your try to be, Chilli Maestro). I've been witness to countless instances of ill-placed insecurities and short stints of depression, and the ability of siblings to traverse through the thick fog of negativity and pull each other out unscathed is unparalleled. Your sibling/s might know you better than you know yourself. 

2. They motivate you. 

They know you so well, your strengths and weaknesses were never really your secrets. Again, scary. But their ability to push and motivate you comes from a purer understanding of you than that of your parents or friends. You don't usually hide your ambitions and desires from your siblings, because they don't judge you. Sometimes it can be competitive: friendly or get-out-of-my-way. Other times it can be inspirational. Their mere existence can be an incentive for you to act. Perhaps your little brother finally finished his degree in nutrition, and you're motivated to migrate from your nine-to-five to study interior design. 

3. They protect you.

...especially when you think you don't need protection. Which is likely when you need it most. Whether it's from that guy you really shouldn't go out with, or from your parents' influence on your career, or maybe even from that new Thai place around the corner. They will endeavour to keep you as whole as you are, body and soul, for as long as possible. Even if its at their own risk. And you let them, because you do the exact same for them.

4. They sustain you.

The knowledge of their existence somehow manages to fuel the vibrancy of your life. That sounds like a pretty colourful description of a fairly straight-forward point: they keep you sane. I wouldn't go so far as to say that they're the air to your lungs, but they're definitely the peanut butter to your jelly. You don't need to be around them 24/7 to feel the sense of comfort they provide. Knowing they're alive and well is sustenance enough. 

5. They complete you.

This one will be hard to understand, because the void is seldom understood until it is felt. If you were a puzzle, they could be anywhere between one-third to half of the puzzle pieces. They've been there every step of the way during your growth. They've been with you at your lowest, and soared with you at your highest. They played important roles at so many important points in your life, those experiences wouldn't be the same without them. You wouldn't be complete without them.  

If you have a brother or sister, full, half, or step, tell them you love them. Or at least tell them you like them. Maybe even throw in a hi-5. 

It's a luxury not everyone can do. 

Note: This was part of my topic-based submission for a writing position. I'm not usually this cheesy. I'm not a pizza.

Okay, that was cheesy.