Sisters by destiny, friends for life: How sisters support your emotional wellbeing

Build social skills

As a child, I was shy and often found it hard to open up to people. I tried to avoid most conversations and felt awkward around new people. But my sister was the opposite—confident, friendly and always ready to include me in social situations. From helping me start a conversation to encouraging me to speak up in gatherings, she gently nudged me out of my shell. Over time, this made a huge difference in how I learnt to connect with people.

Indeed, growing up with a sister can help us learn how to listen, share and even argue healthily. Moments shared with them help build strong people skills as we grow older. We learn to understand others better, be kind and express ourselves clearly. And all of this improves our emotional wellbeing too. 

Teach kindness, empathy

Whether it’s cheering us up after a bad day or simply being around when we need some quiet company, sisters can sense our needs. Growing up with them means having someone who is there to listen, comfort and help in ways we need without expressing much.

Interestingly, it has been observed that, over time, we tend to imbibe some of these qualities, like listening, being more patient and helping others. And having this ability to understand and share feelings is not just a nice trait, it enhances our emotional wellbeing as well. Researchers from Brigham Young University found that having a sister can help us become a kinder and more giving person. By learning how to care for others early on, we tend to develop emotional skills that bring long term happiness to us.

Bring clarity

Have you ever had a long debate with your sister about what movie to watch, what to eat for dinner or where to spend the holidays? These conversations may seem chaotic or confusing but they develop our ability to think clearly and reason through different situations and things.

Sisters challenge our thoughts and encourage us to see things from different angles, which helps build better decision-making skills over time. Being able to think calmly and logically during tough situations is immensely helpful to manage stress and emotions, especially on a bad day. This ability can help us stay grounded, avoid overthinking and respond to challenges with a clear mindset.

Build confidence

Often, it is your sister who sees your potential even when you can’t. Be it cheering you on during competitions and exams, helping you get ready for a big event or reminding you of your strength when you are doubting yourself, she plays a big role in boosting your confidence.

As Canadian author Catherine Pulsifer states, “Sisters are best friends, they are advisors, they are teachers, and best of all, they are people with whom you can talk with about anything – someone you have a special bond with!” This unique bond creates a safe emotional space where you feel accepted and understood.

When you grow up with someone who believes in you, your self-esteem automatically gets stronger. Having a cheerleader in your corner is not just a bonus in life, it’s essential for your emotional wellbeing.

In a nutshell, having a sister is like having a support system for life. She lifts our spirits, helps us grow and teaches us valuable lessons by just being there. Through shared laughter or late-night talks, sisters shape who we are in many ways. This Sister’s Day, cherish that bond because it’s one of the most powerful things that fuel our emotional wellbeing.