A friend once related how upset he was over his older brother’s decided aloofness. The brother’s open eyes were the only sign of acknowledgement except for daily conquest of the remote control. As an older sibling who had previously been unaware that younger siblings had opinions, I thought I should attempt an explanation at what should now be understood by all generations as acceptable behavior.

I believe the role of the older sibling is to exist in the attic bedroom. occasionally gracing the rest of the family in the lower floors to find snacks, ideally something transportable such as granola bars. If the older sibling is ever to come into direct contact with the younger sibling and the younger sibling asks her elder if her boyfriend is “a ten” and the elder responds “white bread,” well it should be understood that the older sister in this situation is merely looking for white bread to make toast. I would never make a physical judgment upon a boy whose necessary immaturity seats him outside the realm of acknowledgement.