If you’re the youngest sibling in an Irish family there are certain things you’ll definitely have endured growing up, and probably still do (and give out about constantly) to this day. You were always the one lumped in the middle of the back of the car on days out, the last one to do all of the fun stuff, and no matter how old you get, you’ll forever be known as the baby of the family. Are we right?
There are, however, some great benefits that come with being on the bottom rung of the sibling ladder, and when you think about it, probably go a long way to make up for the relentless name-calling, teasing and dead legs over the years. Here are a few of our favourite things about being a little sister…
You get away with absolute murder
By the time you started to get up to proper teenage mischief, your parents had seen it all. What you thought of as wild antics probably paled in comparison to the shenanigans of your older siblings, and if you were lucky, this meant that your parents didn’t even bat an eyelid at you. You’re also secretly everyone’s favourite and nobody in the family can stay mad with you. For too long.
You’re spoilt rotten
When it comes right down to it your older brothers and sisters will do absolutely anything for you. You know they’ll drop you to the airport at 4am, drive for miles to pick you up in the middle of nowhere or come and get you after night out when it’s all gone horribly wrong, however begrudgingly. They were also your first port of call (and possibly still are) when faced with those dreaded two words at the ATM – you know the ones we’re talking about. Good luck getting that cash back, older siblings of Ireland!
The attention is always on you
When you’re the little sister you tend to enjoy being the centre of attention no matter what the occasion, and for the most part you’ve got yourself a captive audience. We’re looking at you, Pippa.
That second wardrobe comes in handy
If you’re lucky enough to have an older sister, you’ll know that what’s theirs is also yours. That’s just how it works, right? Well, maybe not. But on those rare occasions when she did grant you permission to borrow that bag, blouse, bra or pair of boots after much begging and whinging, well, it was just the best day ever.
Everyone already knows who you are
Growing up you were always known as “so-and-so’s younger sister.” No matter what local club you joined or pub you went to, chances are the reputation of your older brothers or sisters preceeded you. At school the teachers were familiar with your sibling’s work which meant that they already either loved or hated you. Of course you used this to your advantage if they loved you, and if you didn’t do so well in the class, well you could just pin the blame on your older sibling.
The character-building
No matter how old you get your older brothers and sisters will continue to do whatever it takes to taunt, annoy and take the absolute mickey out of you. This builds your character for life so any amount of teasing little sisters face in life seems like a cake walk.
Someone’s always got your back.
Ain’t nobody in the school yard gonna mess with you when you’ve got an intimidating big brother or sister waiting for them at home…
