Being a 75 years old man, I recognized that siblings are often seen as the only friends guaranteed for life, sort of real lifelong companionship, providing a connection that friends may not be able to offer. They can be a source of deep emotional support, advice, and comfort, though this can also manifest as intense arguments or conflicts. Disagreements are a normal part of a sibling relationship, but the ability for reconciliation is crucial for a lasting bondage.
I remember my siblings' extensive contact and companionship during childhood & adolescence - increasingly outside the direct supervision of our parents or other adults - provides ample opportunity for us to shape one another's behavior, trust, socio-emotional development, talents and leadership abilities.
Based on my experience as a management educator & human resource management practitioner, I found family scholars have not focused extensively on siblings. However, young researchers from human development, sociology, psychology & health have paid increasing attention to direct sibling influences.
I have four siblings: two brothers, Haji Mustapha (Spock) and Jamaluddin (Jamal) and a sister, Norlida (Eda). We are all married and blessed with children and grandchildren. I am the eldest and both of our parents had passed on. We do meet from time to time especially during Hari Raya. However, I regularly touch base with Jamal, a retired government officer, who lives with his family within the neighborhood of Putrajaya. Spock, a former Editor of BERNAMA (news agency of Malaysian government) lives with his wife in Kuala Selangor, & Eda, a former banker lives with her husband at our hometown in Taiping.
My wife, Zarina has 7 siblings: 4 brothers, Haji Abdul Aziz, Haji Abdul Salim, Haji Abdul Manaf & (late) Haji Abdul Latif and three sisters, Datin Hajah Salma and Prof Dr. Hajah Nor Khomar. Zarina is the youngest and their parents had also passed on. All of them live with their families around Subang Jaya, Shah Alam & Putrajaya and are able to meet regularly for conversations. I am amazed they had reached a consensus that each one of them to take turn to host monthly K7 luncheon for their siblings and spouses.
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