Just get over it? No. You don’t have to stand for it. By putting you down, he’s probably trying to make himself feel better.
What to do: “Be assertive, but not defensive,” says Peter Goldenthal, a family psychologist based in Wayne, Pennsylvania, and the author
of Why Can’t We Get Along? Healing Adult Sibling Relationships ($18, amazon.com). Contain the urge to match his tone and rudeness. “You may not be able to change his behavior, but you can change the way
you respond,” says Marcia Millman, a professor of sociology at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Tell him what you
think, then “try disarming him by telling a joke or mentioning something about him that you genuinely admire,” she says. You
can choose to act like an adult, even if he can’t.
Sample script: “Actually, I’m really happy with Jimmy’s choice of major. He should be able to find just as many job opportunities with an
economics degree as you did with your business degree.”
Planning the Family Party or Buying the Group Gift Always Falls to You
Just get over it? Yes. You were the type-A kid, right? And siblings always looked on. They’re probably not lazy now. They’re just repeating
those childhood roles.
What to do: Don’t do everything yourself. Give your siblings a chance to pitch in, and make them feel appreciated. “Your sibling probably
needs to feel important,” says Goldenthal. “Some people need a lot of acknowledgment or flattery.”
Sample script: “I’m really going to need your help for this party. You have such a beautiful eye for design. Do you want to handle the invitations
or the decorations?”
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