My Brothers Were My First Bullies—and My Best Dating Coaches |
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My Brothers Were My First Bullies—and My Best Dating Coaches
Maybe this is why I show love through light roasting and playful banter.
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As someone who grew up with two older brothers, I can confidently say that our sibling dynamic shaped how I view men. No, it wasn’t just the childhood crushes I formed on their “cool” friends, the way they humbled me with their relentless (but loving) bullying, or even the way they’d threaten any boy who even thought about asking me out in high school. More so, having brothers taught me how the male brain works.
Jokes aside, they also set a great example for me. Even from a young age, they were respectful of women, loyal to their girlfriends, and considerate of others’ emotions. (Perhaps that’s because they grew up with a sensitive younger sister.) Because of this, I’ve never doubted that there were good men out there, and I’ve refused to settle for less than what I deserve.
With National Brothers Day coming up on May 24, Dr. Sabrina Romanoff, relationship expert at Hily Dating App and Harvard-trained clinical psychologist, spoke about the impact growing up with brothers has on your dating life. Turns out, there is an advantage to all the brotherly bullying I’ve endured. Here are four ways having brothers affects your dating life.
1. You Learn How to Navigate Conflict
Romanoff refers to this as the “bullpen” effect: You grew up surrounded by so much conflict that you’ve learned how to anticipate and navigate any........