As the eldest of two younger sisters, I have always taken my role as the protective sister extremely seriously. Being an eldest sister goes beyond being automatically labeled as “bossy,” being the first sibling forced to figure out high school and being your sister’s personal thrift store. The role of an eldest sister is about leading with empathy and loyalty, and creating a space where your loved ones feel content and secure. I have always held the firm belief that if more people lived life like an eldest sister, the world would be a kinder, more understanding and more compassionate place.
That being said, here are some skills you gain when you implement the eldest sister mindset into your every day lifestyle:
A powerful ability to save friends from awkward experiences
If there is anything an eldest sister is good at, it is the ability to demand and control an environment. With a little bit of that eldest sister charisma (or, in my personal experience, charismatic awkwardness), you can save your friends from any and all interactions they desperately wish to escape. I first discovered this ability as a child, when I developed a rather annoying tendency to speak up for my shy sisters whenever they were too nervous to answer questions themselves. Now, it is important to recognize when your friend or sister does not actually need your help and when your presence might, on the contrary, make things more awkward. However, knowing when to step in, steer a conversation in a different direction, or offer a much-needed distraction, is an invaluable skill. Sometimes, all it takes is a little eldest sister intervention to lift the burden of an uncomfortable interaction from someone you love.
hyper-vigilant vision in social ENVIRONMENTS
As an eldest sister, you grow up constantly looking out for the happiness and well-being of your siblings. Over time, you develop a sort of spidey-sense for reading a room and noticing when something feels off. This gives you the power to get your loved ones in and out of a room in a matter of seconds if you sense that a situation is becoming unsafe or uncomfortable. This is an especially important quality to develop, as being aware of your surroundings and recognizing when it is time to leave can help keep you and your friends out of potentially dangerous situations.
Ferocity to defend
Every eldest sister understands this feeling: If your younger sister is even moderately threatened or insulted, you are willing and ready to do whatever it takes to defend them. When it comes to your loved ones, there will be no limit to how far your rage and love will take you. You know that protecting your family means understanding when to speak up, when to set boundaries and how to make sure the people you love never feel like they have to stand up for themselves alone.
With a little eldest sister angel (and occasional devil) on your shoulder, you are sure to protect, love and support your friends and family with just a bit more fierceness.