CONNECT
SHOUT OUT BOARDS

YOUR ROOM
FIND OUT

HELP ME HEATHER

FAST FACTS

PLAY

gURL GAMES

QUIZZES

MORE PLAY
SHOW OFF

COMIX

PHOTOS

EXPLORE

BODY IMAGE

SEX

REACT

MOST POPULAR VIDEOS

SOUND CHECKS

 


 
  Dear Heather,

My older brother is way overprotective. He and his girlfriend are always making out and stuff in the halls at school. But when he sees me hugging my boyfriends or even talking to some of my guy friends he goes totally nuts. What is with him? Why is it okay for him to do stuff but he freaks out on me for talking to guys?

AddThis Social Bookmark Button



 
 
 
Hi.

The answer to your question is, "It's not okay." It's not fair. (Assuming you didn't do anything to alarm your brother about your interaction with guys.)

But the bizarre behavior of siblings can't always be reasoned away! Some people just seem to have this parental-like feeling of responsibility about younger kids in the family--including the way parents sometimes have a hard time with the transition from child to more sexual being. These protective older siblings may be mirroring their parents or someone else they admire; they may be compensating for parents who aren't involved enough; or it could be something else completely.

One thing's for sure: brothers can be extra protective of sisters--and sometimes that's thanks to old-fashioned ideas about women needing men's protection. Your brother may be trying to show off his manliness to his girlfriend or friends, whether it's on purpose or not. It could also be that his own opinions of guys isn't too high and he doesn't trust them with you. Maybe he knows lots of guys who take advantage of girls.

I'm not sure how helpful it would be to try and analyze your brother to his face. But if you feel like you can't ignore this issue, I would suggest maybe finding a quiet time and place to talk to him about how you feel. Is the problem mostly embarrassment? Or is the main thing that you want him to trust you? Whatever it is, telling him your actual feelings might help him see things from your perspective.

If you decide to have a conversation with him, it could also help build a foundation for a mutually respectful and supportive relationship in the future.



 
 
Take care,
heather

 
 
 

more family

select another topic:

 
 
 

 
ADVERTISEMENT