From Business Insider · Hayley Folk · · 1m 20s
From hating my sister to being best friends
A 10-year age gap made us enemies as kids, but now we're closer than ever.
In brief
A 10-year age gap made us enemies as kids, but now we're closer than ever. Large age gaps between siblings can create early conflict, but often transform into meaningful mentor-mentee relationships as both siblings mature. Originally reported by Business Insider.
Ten years between sisters
At 10 years old, she learned she'd have a baby sister. The age gap made them feel freakish and out of place.
Living in different worlds
While one sister navigated puberty and middle school, the other was learning to walk. They couldn't relate at all.
“Me: going through early stages of awkward puberty, braces, unsure if I liked boys and girls, and braving middle school. Her: a baby then outgrowing diapers.”
Constant fighting and mothering
The older sister felt forced to mother Hanna after their mom struggled with addiction and disappeared from their lives.
A Buffy convention changed everything
At 31 and 21, they attended Hellmouth Con in LA together. Sharing a love for the show brought them closer.
“I couldn't help but think, Wow, we've really come a long way.”
From bossy to mentor
Their dynamic shifted from antagonistic siblings to mentor and best friend. They now see each other almost every day.
Supporting each other's journeys
The older sister helped Hanna move to New York and land a job. Hanna felt safe coming out about her sexuality.
Age gaps shrink over time
What once divided them now barely matters. They've gone from hating each other to loving each other more than ever.
“Whatever the reason, I'm just glad we don't hate each other anymore. In fact, in a lovely turn of events, we love each other more than ever.”
Here's the gist
Large age gaps between siblings can create early conflict, but often transform into meaningful mentor-mentee relationships as both siblings mature.
