I come from a large family. Thus on the question of sibling rivalry I can talk from experience. I spent my childhood with five brothers and one sister (not to mention the twenty or so dogs) There are issues of rivalry that develop in this environment and a number will continue into adult life, at least that happened in my family.

The eldest and the youngest have some issues. Because the eldest was 6 years older than the nearest sibling, he has tended to think that he has missed out because a lot of attention was paid to the younger children, especially as there was a much closer age range between them. The youngest felt a similar way and, in addition, in his case he felt that he was always treated with a lack of respect because he was the youngest. To a certain extent these two have carried these views with them to this day.

The sister was always a tomboy, presumably because of being around so many males. Thus she tended not to become involved with all the female activities, like health and beauty and fashion. On the part of some of the boys there was a small amount of resentment because of the "favouritism" that was perceived to exist. T

Then there is me, and there is me. I am a twin and so is my brother. This situation brings its own issues. The tendency to not be treated as individuals was ever present. In clothing, outings, schooling and other areas it was often a comparative issue. For example, when I left school I was informed by my father that I could not start work until my twin had found himself work. Frustrating at times. However, the benefit of the unique relationship more than outweighs the disadvantages.

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