Friends are a group of people you’ve collected over a lifetime; you’re close-knit, know what’s always up with them, and know how they’re feeling with one glance–but what about the friends you got before you were even born? Connections built on family are a special type of bond you can’t find elsewhere. When three West Albany families were asked to rate their closeness, all of them said above a nine out of ten.
According to The Science of Sibling Dynamics, published by Arizona State University, “Siblings are fully dependent on shared parents for all their needs, which means they have to endure, or celebrate, the presence of the other siblings.”
This creates an environment of both conflict and shared experiences that help them get along. Siblings grow up together, teach vital life skills, and are essentially best friends. This bond is much more than being in a constant battle. For senior Lydia Conn, she chooses to strengthen her bonds by spending quality time with her brothers.
“Sometimes we go on random side quests, like getting froyo or hanging out with friends. We’re all in the same friend group,” Conn said.
Relationships, like the sister bond that freshman Puneet Bedi and her sister share, can be compared to two peas in a pod.
“Me and my sister do a bunch of after-school activities together. So, most of the time we’re together.” Bedi said.
Other familial relationships, like father-daughter, stand out with Ken Beiser, the Spanish and ELD teacher.
He says, “My youngest daughter’s love language is snuggling. If she’s upset or tired, she’ll always say she wants to snuggle.”
Having the comfort of a father psychologically and unconsciously sets standards for future connections and how to approach life.
Mother-daughter relationships have been proven time and time again by the Journal of Neuroscience to be the strongest family bond, which is evident in Conn and her mother.
“Today is my mom’s birthday, so I’m gonna go to the store and put up decorations to surprise her before she gets home,” said Conn.
Connections in general, according to Harvard University, can help people combat depression and even live a longer life. Family connections aren’t always available to everyone, but it’s nice to know you’re born with automatic besties.
