5 Questions to Ask Your Adult Siblings

A LOT HAS CHANGED SINCE YOU BICKERED IN THE BACK SEAT. UPDATE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THESE CONVERSATION STARTERS.

- Sarah Robbins

1 What can I do to help us grow closer?

The beauty of having siblings is that they teach us to deal with conflict. We’ve been vying for our parents’ attention since we were born! There can be tensions or disappointments that create distance, and sometimes someone must take the first step in renewing and enriching an old bond. “What can I do to help us grow closer?” is a profound question, but it doesn’t have to carry the weight of an international summit. There are so many possible answers, from “I think we’re close enough” to “You might help more with Mom” to “You should apologize for hitting me when I was a kid.” If you feel resistance, then just shut up for a while and try again later. It’s still an expression of love— an opening of a door.

2 What’s the long-term plan for Mom and Dad?