How to Handle Adult Sibling Rivalry

  • November 11, 2011
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Fighting with siblings is only natural — but letting a feud fester into adulthood can cause serious damage. Here’s how to put an end to your sibling rivalry.

You Will Need

  • Understanding
  • Willingness to compromise
How to Handle Adult Sibling Rivalry: Understand the root

Step 1: Understand the root

Understand the roots of sibling rivalry. Studies show that conflicts often begin in childhood due to factors such as parental treatment, gender, family dynamics, and age differential.

How to Handle Adult Sibling Rivalry: See your sibling as a person

Step 2: See your sibling as a person

Recognize your sibling as an actual person. Avoid the temptation to regress to childhood labels like "the attention seeker” or “the perfect one” — your sibling has likely long outgrown that phase.

How to Handle Adult Sibling Rivalry: Pinpoint the friction

Step 3: Pinpoint the friction

Pinpoint the source of friction. It’s easy to shift the blame of your rivalry entirely onto your sibling, but acknowledging your own part will give you a deeper understanding of the conflict.

How to Handle Adult Sibling Rivalry: Hash it out

Step 4: Hash it out

Hash out the hostility. Start by saying “I’m sorry” for whatever part you may have played in the sibling rivalry. Researchers have found people automatically respond positively to hearing an apology. Then, focus on reaching an understanding and ways to fix the problem.

If you live apart from your sibling, don’t use a family gathering to confront them. Plan to meet in a neutral setting or talk over the phone.

How to Handle Adult Sibling Rivalry: Change what you can

Step 5: Change what you can

Realize what you can and can’t change about your relationship, and try to make peace with a compromise. You may not be able to choose your family, but you can do your best to overcome sibling rivalry.

80% of siblings over the age of 60 say they’ve ended their rivalry, while 4% stay angry forever, according to a survey.

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