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What happens when you have a toxic sibling?
It is easy to doubt yourself when you have a toxic sibling. But if you are with positive well-balanced people, you’ll be able to recognise bad behaviour immediately and not put up with it. Some toxic behaviour is quite intrusive and can take over a person’s life.
Do we have to get on with our siblings?
There’s no law that says we have to get on with our siblings. Thankfully, most of us have pretty good family dynamics. But some people have toxic sibling relationships. So what’s the difference between say typical sibling rivalries to toxic sibling relationships?
Did your mother collude with your sister as a child?
As a child, my mother colluded with my sister. My mother laughed at the insults my sister so readily hurled at me. I had no self esteem and felt completely isolated. Their behaviour had a devastating impact on me. I went on to become very well educated, well travelled with many friends and a good job. My sister didn’t.
What are the characteristics of healthy sibling relationships?
Healthy sibling relationships are compassionate, loving, willing to listen and help. They are non-judgemental and caring. They want the best for their brothers and sisters. That’s why they are happy and pleased when their siblings achieve success.
While everyone makes mistakes, a toxic sibling may bring all sorts of drama into your life due to the way they act, and the poor choices they make. For example, it’s possible they’ll be financially abusive, Fernandez says, meaning they borrow money and don’t pay you back, or take advantage of you in some way.
Is it possible to get along with siblings?
But toxic family members can include siblings, too. And it can lead to a lot of stress, as you try to figure out how to deal with them. Getting along with siblings can be tricky even under the best circumstances, usually due to the well-known “sibling rivalry.”
Should you step away from your relationship with your sibling?
“Ultimately, if you feel that you must sacrifice your needs in order to have the relationship as it stands, you may consider at least stepping away until you can navigate boundaries,” Deanna Fernandez, MHC, NYC-based therapist, tells Bustle If that rings true, then there’s a chance your relationship with your sibling may require a closer look.
Is it normal to be scared of being around your siblings?
It’s normal to feel a touch of shyness around some family members, especially those you don’t see very often. But if true anxiety flares up whenever you’re around a certain sibling, or you sweat at the thought of having to interact with them, take note.