There’s no-one in the world who can push your buttons like your brother or sister. Sibling relationships (whether you live in the same postcode or ceased speaking to one another three decades ago) have a definitive influence on our adult lives.

This week author and academic Dr Geoffrey Greif talks us through his extensive research on adult sibling relationships, based on hundreds of interviews and surveys.

Adult sibling relationships are often characterized by ambivalence and ambiguity, and they may also be hurtful, uncertain, competitive, or exhausting, even when the undercurrents of love and loyalty remain. 

Tensions kept simmering under the surface through years of avoidance can erupt to the surface when, for example, an elderly parent takes a turn for the worse.

As well as discussing Dr Greif’s book, Adult Sibling Relationships, Andrew and Dr Greif also discuss how to find the positive aspects of your sibling relationships, and how to decide if it’s possible and/or worthwhile to rebuild healthier ties and find family closeness.

Dr Geoffrey Greif is a professor at the University of Maryland School of Social Work. He is the author of 14 books, including four that are co-edited, and more than 135 journal articles and book chapters. He has also researched male friendships; couple friendships; in-law relationships; and single fathers. 

If You’re Looking for More….

You can subscribe to The Meaningful Life (via Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts) and hear a bonus mini-episode every week. Or you can join our Supporters Club on Patreon to also access exclusive behind-the-scenes content, fan requests  and the chance to ask Andrew your own questions. Membership starts at just £4.50. 

This week supporters will hear:

⭐️How to improve your relationship with your in-laws

⭐️Three things Geoffrey Greif knows to be true.

⭐️AND subscribers also access all of our previous bonus content - a rich trove of insight on love, life and meaning created by Andrew and his interviewees.

Follow Up

Read Andrew’s new Substack newsletter The Meaningful Life, and join the community there.

Read Dr Geoffrey Grief’s book Adult Sibling Relationships 

Read Dr Geoffrey Greif’s other books, which include Buddy System: Understanding Male Friendships and Two Plus Two: Couples and Their Couple Friendships 

You might also enjoy Andrew’s interviews with Philippa Perry on What You Wish Your Parents Knew and with Graham Johnston and Matt Wotton on Good Boundaries.

Andrew offers regular advice on love, marriage and finding meaning in your life via his social channels. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube @andrewgmarshall