By: Rachel Nguyen
Growing up with one older and one younger sister, I was completely sandwiched. Middle child syndrome—the term I’ve apparently been diagnosed with causes me to see the world through my middle child eyes. This awkward, middle position at home has helped me bridge the gap between my sisters’ emotional rivalries.
My sisters and I have a small age difference; we are only two years apart from each other. Growing up with them meant sharing endless laughter and a whole lot of fighting.
My older sister is very dominant, nurturing, and demanding, while my youngest sister is very diligent, a strong leader, but very short-tempered. And then there's me, the peacekeeper and mediator who thrives on building friendships and avoiding conflicts.
When it comes to my sisters’ conflicts and confrontations, the results are damaging. I remember one of their clashes were feuded with indescribable anger and hate for each other, and their break from each other lasted nearly two years.
My parents’ form of intervention to “fix” the problem was through their anger, reprimands, and lectures. As their sister, I felt our relationship was being threatened each time that they fought. As a middle child, I wanted to play a role that meets both conflicting sides at the end.
Knowing I wanted to take responsibility to mend our relationship, I took it upon myself to negotiate their differences. Unlike me, it was difficult for them to show their vulnerability to each other. Throughout the two years, I had tried to establish a stronger connection with both of my sisters through my actions and words. “I’m sorry” - the words I am comfortable expressing to my siblings, showing them that I choose to be vulnerable and reflective on my mistakes rather than let stubborness get in my way.
In times when I felt their loneliness, I continued to show them the love I had for each of them equally, even if they attempted to reject a part of family entirely. I had not realized the impact I made on their behaviors until my youngest sister told me that she was ready to say sorry and wanted to reconcile with my older sister.
I was never one able to stop a fight; it was impossible for me to carry that much power as a mere bystander. However, I have discovered that I was the balance between both personalities. This has led me to aspire aiming for a greater role in family as I help my sisters through tough circumstances.
For the Warrior Times I’m Rachel Nguyen.
My sisters and I have a small age difference; we are only two years apart from each other. Growing up with them meant sharing endless laughter and a whole lot of fighting.
My older sister is very dominant, nurturing, and demanding, while my youngest sister is very diligent, a strong leader, but very short-tempered. And then there's me, the peacekeeper and mediator who thrives on building friendships and avoiding conflicts.
When it comes to my sisters’ conflicts and confrontations, the results are damaging. I remember one of their clashes were feuded with indescribable anger and hate for each other, and their break from each other lasted nearly two years.
My parents’ form of intervention to “fix” the problem was through their anger, reprimands, and lectures. As their sister, I felt our relationship was being threatened each time that they fought. As a middle child, I wanted to play a role that meets both conflicting sides at the end.
Knowing I wanted to take responsibility to mend our relationship, I took it upon myself to negotiate their differences. Unlike me, it was difficult for them to show their vulnerability to each other. Throughout the two years, I had tried to establish a stronger connection with both of my sisters through my actions and words. “I’m sorry” - the words I am comfortable expressing to my siblings, showing them that I choose to be vulnerable and reflective on my mistakes rather than let stubborness get in my way.
In times when I felt their loneliness, I continued to show them the love I had for each of them equally, even if they attempted to reject a part of family entirely. I had not realized the impact I made on their behaviors until my youngest sister told me that she was ready to say sorry and wanted to reconcile with my older sister.
I was never one able to stop a fight; it was impossible for me to carry that much power as a mere bystander. However, I have discovered that I was the balance between both personalities. This has led me to aspire aiming for a greater role in family as I help my sisters through tough circumstances.
For the Warrior Times I’m Rachel Nguyen.