Family Tree is Cut Down

I have seen sibling rivalry in all parts of my family--my own immeidate family, my in-laws, our cousins, aunts and uncles, even my parents and their siblings. I always wanted to believe that families stick together, but I honestly believe that this is the exception rather than the rule. Now that we have two boys of our own, we have been trying very hard to keep their sibling rivalry to a minimum. Of course it is natural for siblings to be competitive, especially if they are the same gender and are close in age. However, we constantly try to stress to our sons that they should look out for one another and protect each other too--that it is ok to get mad at each other, but that they should never speak badly of each other in public to friends and such. I try to explain to them that anger is not the worst emotion, jealousy is, and being too jealous of each other will ruin their friendship in the long run, and may cause them to lose touch with one another, just as various siblings in our families have. I don't know if these lessons will stick, but, as parents, all we can do is try and set a good example. We shall see. . .

I always believed that blood is thicker than water. I've disobeyed my parents once and they disowned me. but, after seeing their grandkid- soon as I gave birth to my daughter, there is no word spoken. They took me back without saying a word. Whatever rivalry or disagreement between the family/siblings will be settled if both parties are willing to reconcile. But yes, we all know that there are tragic stories about blood rivalry and I it's hard to express why and how it happened.

You have to have siblings in every family for there to be sibling rivalry in every one. Maybe to some degree it is healthy. Making a person more competitive for the big world when they get out into it.

It is not the same any more. The gap between family and society is narrowing down. Many are closer to society than to family as the present situation makes it possible to connect more with outsiders than one's own family. The drift becomes wider with passage of time as the need to connect, many a time, does not arise. That is reality!

Reconciliation is possible, it just needs both parts that argue to agree at least on this thing. Which would be the best way to reconcile? Maybe talking to one another at another level than usually. Depends on the persons. What may work on some might not work on others.

My sibling and I aren't anything alike. That's been our downfall from the get go. I try and humor my sibling and ignore what annoys me/hurts me but there's only so much you can take, family or not. Sometimes, talking is just that, even with the best intentions. I've taken a little hiatus, one that has been healthier for me and I can't say that reconciling is not in the near future but the other person has to realize that their ego should stop getting in the way and stop feeling that they are always right. In short, no, it's not healthy but maybe formulating some kind of peace treaty for the sake of the family is. I just need a little bit more of 'me' time and let my anger cool before saying something I'll regret (or maybe not regret).

There is always help for reconciliation but it might take years. One just has to hope and often the breakup is due to a misunderstanding and if both sides admit that they did wrong, So there is always hope.

Family feuds have dominated my family for so long. The curse continue to wreck even to this present generation. My father was not in talking terms with his younger brother. The bad blood between the brothers saw us sidelined in so many family gatherings. My uncle only made good his relationship with my father during the last few years of of my father's life.

It's hard. I was written out of my family's will because I sided with the only person who would be honest with me. It's going to take a long time, maybe never for things to be reconciled. It's alright though, I have my family, my wife and kids and they are the ones I focus on now. Blood is thicker than water but when its spilled it looses its power.

There's always a chance of reconciliation. Ask God for guidance and don't give up.

well the rivalry among family members is common me and my sister have it too but we never think to cut off from family blood line we help each other when other need support

Hello my friend Shavkat Ji, Well, this concept had grown due to selfishness in human-beings. Some particular siblings want to owe everything, so they use mighty unfair means, Cut off elders and rule. It has been seen in our country right after babur came to India. One must have tolerance for others. So it is said that BLOOD HAS BEEN CONERTED TO WATER, IT IS ALSO POLLUTED. May God bless You and have a great time

of course possible, as they say blood is thicker that water, no matter how bad the situation may be , but when needed ,the siblings will definitely help and come together, that the greatness of creation, and blood relation.

I must say it's not really rivalry, but the envy and jealousy between siblings that usually happen. I guess it's just normal between sisters to have little insecurities from each other esp. when parents give different attention to each of them. Reconciliation is always possible. No matter how much hurt our sisters/brothers had brought us, there is always a chance of forgiveness as long as the other is willing to accept his fault/mistake.

I believe blood is thicker than water. Families can have rivalry, and can have misunderstandings and hurt each others' feelings, but they always love each other really. If one family member reaches out to make peace with another, reconciliation is highly possible.