Siblings are often the longest relationship you’ll have. Treat them like you’ll need them at seventy.

Most relationships have a beginning you can remember. A brother or sister is likely to span your whole life instead, from before you had words to whatever comes last, and how you treat each other now sets the default for decades. Friction at this age is normal. Lasting damage is not, and it usually gets built out of small things nobody repaired.

If things are bad with a sibling, do one ordinary thing with them this week with no apology speech attached. Shared time mends more than discussion does.