Have a Sister? Plan on Adding a Few Years to Your Life

SHANNON LI
News Editor
Have you ever had an argument with your sibling and then made up afterward, feeling a bit closer in your relationship? According to a recent study, if you have a sister, you are more likely to live a longer and happier life.
A recent study conducted by Brigham Young University in Utah showed that people who had a sister were less likely to complain that “no one loves me” or “I’m lonely.”
Sisters appear to foster more open communication, especially after a tragedy, such as a divorce or loss of a loved one.
“Having a sister means you have someone you can always count on,” said sophomore Victoria Gonzales. “Taking care of my sister feels like having a close friend that is always around to help.”
Sisters who talk about their issues with siblings feel better after discussions, which improves self-esteem and general mood.
“My sister and I have a lot of common interests, so we get along well. When she went off to college, it was like losing one of my best friends,” said junior Rita Zhou.
But this does not mean that boys are unhappier; girls tend to talk with their brothers about things not related to their stress or emotions, such as books or recent movies. Both boys and girls benefit from these discussions.
On the other hand, girls discuss their issues of stress or their personal lives with their sisters.
“I know I can always share my opinions with my brother, and he can always talk with me,” said senior Genesis Reyes.
Also according to the study, girls influence their siblings more than parents do. Having a sister in the family leads to better, more open relationships.
“Just always having communication in our family brings us all closer,” said Gonzales.