Love Still Exists... Only Different

Theme: Baby Sister

I am the youngest of 3.

Most people would read that and think “Ah! She’s their “Baby Sister”.

Then there’s My Big Brother… He introduces me to others “this is my Big Sister, Dianne”… followed by descriptives filled with love, respect, admiration, pride and protectiveness.

For many years, yes years, that manner of introduction bothered me and no matter how I protested, My Big Brother refused to stop referring to me as his “Big Sister”.

One of Many Scenarios: My brother attended a Toastmasters meeting with me. At the time, I was an officer in the club and one of the Speakers on the evening’s agenda. Following the meeting, as My Big Brother mingled with attendees and guests, I heard:  

“Who are you to Dianne?”

“She’s My Big Sister."

“Aren’t you proud of her?”

“Of course, she’s My Big Sister!”

There were similar conversations with other members and guests… Imagine me talking to someone, sharing My Big Brother was my guest and being told “he said you’re his “Big Sister”.  I’d say “I’m not sure if that’s a weight joke, attempt at depriving me of birth right or a type of torture I can’t explain.”

My Big Brother heard me, laughed and said “You ARE My Big Sister! I DON’T Care if You are the youngest!”

Did we argue or debate the issue? No.

Many years later...

Does he still call me his "Big Sister"?

Yes.

Have I given up trying to convince him otherwise?

Not exactly.

Instead of giving up, I brought the subject up in many conversations. I pointed out my position in the family and sibling order. I presented my case very well, if I say so myself. Yet, as experienced Growing Up Graddy, sometimes being the youngest means weighing out the situation:

1. Are “She’s My Big Sister” fighting words?

2. Does he call me that to be hurtful? No.

3. Is it a term of endearment? Yes.

4. Is it intended to be a compliment? Yes.

5. Do I lose sleep over this nickname? No.

6. Does it harm anyone? No.

When asked for reasons why he tells people I’m his “Big Sister” instead of “Baby Sister”… He says, “Do you know you?”… followed by descriptives filled with love, respect, admiration, pride and protectiveness.

How others see and speak about us is beyond our control.

Unlike most, who might be considered a Brat, I learned to acknowledge and embrace my brattiness. Unlike most brats, I learned to compromise.

Instead of giving up attempts to convince My Big Brother to change how he thinks of and introduces me… I weigh the situation and consider ignoring it an acceptable compromise.

Because, I Know I AM A Baby Sister… Only Different.

From my heart to yours, Dianne Lawson 💞