four.

growing up, i'd always thought that my siblings and i weren't very close, compared to the siblings my friends had. we were such different individuals and pretty much did our own thing. we didn't talk about any personal stuff, or share any secrets.

but as we've grown older (we're in the 20-early 30s range), i've come to realise that just because we don't talk as much as other siblings do, doensn't mean we're not as close. we meet up over breakfasts, lunches and dinners - just because. we were brought up by parents who aren't really sentimental about having family gatherings and whatnots so it's kind of difficult to get all of us together at one place at one time, but the time we do spend together - is actually quality time. we talk about what's going on with our lives, the places we've traveled to and eventhough it may not be obvious in words, we always support each other. what i've come to appreciate is, that we've always been honest with eaach other. we don't really sugar-coat stuff. most things don't bother us, but when the time calls for important stuff to get done, we get it done. i guess we're all headstrong and independent in our own way - but we've always been more of do-ers than talkers -and we make an effort to come together and support each other.

we have our dad to thank for the fact that none of us are shy about voicing out our opinions, but at the same time it's balanced by knowing when to hold back and keep our cool, which is what our mom has always taught us.

so these days, i appreciate my siblings more - for their independence, for their straight-forward ways, for all their good features and also obvious flaws. because i see some other friends who struggle to have straight conversations with theirs - and i'm glad that the connection between my siblings and i are so uncomplicated. for some reason, nowadays, that connection has just come naturally to us. and for that, i will always be grateful.