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You’ve been through the trenches of childhood together. Like the time your little brother drew all over your prized Barbie Dream House with a permanent marker. Or when your big sis threatened to flush your Beta fish down the toilet if you didn’t stop bugging her. Don’t let those unbreakable bonds unravel now that you’re adults – here are 6 foolproof ways to maintain lifelong bonds with your brothers and sisters
For many in the African diaspora community, our siblings represent that forever team who knows our cultures, languages, and inside jokes better than anyone.
A 2022 survey found that 53% of Black adults across Africa and the West Indies considered their sibling bonds “extremely strong” and critical for emotional support. These life-long teammates provide a judgment-free zone to be your authentic self, tough-love advice when you need it, and unwavering loyalty no matter what.
But between climbing up the corporate ladder, growing families, cross-country moves and all the curveballs adulthood throws, it’s harder than ever to keep your sibling squad tight. With some consistent effort though, you can make sure those brothers and sisters stay VIPs in your inner circle forever. Try creating these 6 foolproof rituals:
1. The Sib Squad Houseparty App
Remember those epic living room dance-offs you and your siblings used to have to Backstreet Boys and Destiny’s Child videos? Take the party to the Houseparty app for hilarious virtual hangouts. Turn on the AR filters, play games like Heads Up!, and have unbeatable laughing fits together even when you’re miles apart. 
2. The Annual Sib Weekend Getaway
When was the last time your crew got quality time with just the siblings? Pick a new Airbnb location every year and reunite for an epic Sib weekend getaway.
Take a road trip down memory lane by looking through old family photo albums. Recreate your go-to childhood snacks like Chilo’s Mexican sweet bread or Kenyan pershaun chips with the recipes. Simply revel in that undeniable sibling chemistry and make new inside jokes.
3. The Holiday Family Olympics
Every holiday as kids, did you and your siblings have to put on a choreographed dance or runway fashion show for family? Bring back that energy by hosting the Holiday Family Olympics!
Assign fun events like a gingerbread house competition, ugly sweater runway show, or game night tournaments like Family Feud or Taboo. Let those sibling rivalry competitive streaks shine by awarding creative medals to the winners. Nothing like a dash of nostalgia to strengthen those bonds.
4. Your VIP Support Squad
When you landed that big promotion, who was blowing up the group chat with more congratulatory memes and fire emojis than anyone else? Or when you went through that brutal relationship break-up, who showed up with ice cream, and your favorite movies, and let you ugly cry without judgment?
Your siblings are the first ones there for you during every peak and valley. Keep those channels of vulnerability open – let them be the ones you can turn to for unfiltered advice, tough love when you need a reality check, and a shoulder to lean on.
5. The Forgiveness Tour
So your sister borrowed your dress without asking when you were 17 and spilled a punch all over it. And your younger brother may have drawn a mustache on your senior portrait in Sharpie as a prank. Hilarious at the time but maybe not so much 20 years later.
You’ll never move forward if you keep holding grudges over those petty actions from childhood. Hit the road on a Forgiveness Tour by making amends and finally letting those go. After all, they’re the ones who got you through those awkward teenage years!
6. Sibs in the Wedding Party
Did you get engaged or have a baby in the family? Show your siblings just how much you value their permanent spot in your life. Give them important roles by making them bridesmaids or groomsmen in your wedding party. Name them as godparents or favorite “aunties/uncles” for any new additions to the family. After decades of ups and downs, cement them as the VIPs in your major life moments.
Conclusion: 6 Easy Ways to Maintain Lifelong Bonds with Your Siblings
Your siblings have been there through those roller coaster childhood memories, angst-filled teen years, and unpredictable adulthoods.
They’ve seen your ugliest cries and most embarrassing blunders – and loved you through it all. That type of bond where you’re truly known inside and out is one of the greatest gifts.
While distance, marriages, and family obligations can easily strain that closeness over time, make it a top priority to maintain lifelong bonds with your sisters and brothers. These lifelong teammates provide irreplaceable comradery, loyalty, and laughs for the decades ahead. Blood is thicker than water!
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