Older siblings give their best advice in the car, when nobody has to make eye contact.

GRATITUDE

WHAT THIS MEANS

Advice lands better when nobody has to be watched while they take it. Side by side in a car, an older sibling can say the awkward thing without seeing your reaction, and you can hear it without having to manage your face. You both get to pretend it was casual, which is what makes it possible at all.

If you want something out of your brother or sister, ask on the drive rather than in the kitchen. Ask about the specific mistake they made at your age. And keep yours available for whoever is behind you, because they are getting the same questions.

A QUESTION TO SIT WITH

Whose advice reaches you best when neither of you is looking?

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