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Location: The western periphery of Terra Australis
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I wonder if this is related to Western society and the development of the nuclear family.
In Western cultures it seems common that, once you leave home, you have little to do with your siblings, unless you are especially close. You might see them once a year or so...
Now I can understand living apart and stuff, but many people don't seem interested in maintaining contact with their siblings even by phone, email etc.
I don't know the percentages, but it seems a very large percentage. I don't buy excuses like 'you're busy with your own family', surely a phone call every month or so...
I could say the same for parents.
Not saying you should feel like you're obliged to keep in touch, but it's sad that many people either don't care or even resent their siblings.
What I'm saying is, is the relationship between siblings, brothers and sisters, undervalued in modern western culture? Like even in films, brothers and sisters are usually portrayed as always fighting/hating each other. There are of course exceptions, like those cheesy shows like Seventh Heaven, but it's something I've grown to notice.
I mean, the norm here in the states is near opposite of what you wrote in your original post. Pretty much everything I see, from my friends and my family couldn't be more of the opposite.
Location: The western periphery of Terra Australis
24,544 posts, read 56,047,835 times
Reputation: 11862
Quote:
Originally Posted by burgler09
Is your post referring more to Europe?
I mean, the norm here in the states is near opposite of what you wrote in your original post. Pretty much everything I see, from my friends and my family couldn't be more of the opposite.
I can't comment about anything in Europe though.
I'm referring to the States in particular. Australia seems similar but slightly more family orientated. I have no idea for Europe, would depend a lot on country. Say Italy vs Sweden.
In Western cultures it seems common that, once you leave home, you have little to do with your siblings, unless you are especially close. You might see them once a year or so...
Now I can understand living apart and stuff, but many people don't seem interested in maintaining contact with their siblings even by phone, email etc.
I don't know the percentages, but it seems a very large percentage. I don't buy excuses like 'you're busy with your own family', surely a phone call every month or so...
I could say the same for parents.
Not saying you should feel like you're obliged to keep in touch, but it's sad that many people either don't care or even resent their siblings.
Huh? The vast majority of people that I know personally, do indeed maintain close relationships with their siblings. I talk to my sister a couple of times a week, and my brother about once a month (he's ridiculously busy)...and they are both several states away.
I'm referring to the States in particular. Australia seems similar but slightly more family orientated. I have no idea for Europe, would depend a lot on country. Say Italy vs Sweden.
If you're referring to the United States, I think your perception is pretty far off. I think the typical American tends to get closer with their siblings as they get older unless something happens to cause them to fight for some reason.
Yep use them as sitters and they use me. Call them if a car or something needs to be fixed. Ac/ heater or computer. Who is having which holiday at their house.
If you're referring to the United States, I think your perception is pretty far off. I think the typical American tends to get closer with their siblings as they get older unless something happens to cause them to fight for some reason.
I completely agree. I think the OP is way off base here.
Location: The western periphery of Terra Australis
24,544 posts, read 56,047,835 times
Reputation: 11862
Quote:
Originally Posted by virgode
Depends on the family dynamic. The problem, so many siblings don't get along as adults.
These differences usually begin in childhood.
I just get the feeling people don't care enough about siblings...I thought your brothers and sisters were as much family as your parents, spouse and kids? Of course your immediately family is your 'priority' but does that really mean you love your birth family any less?
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