Many romance novels use sibling tropes. The most famous is PRIDE AND PREJUDICE’s Bennet sisters. They must please their mother by marrying well and soon. To please their father, they must stay true to themselves. Jane and Elizabeth lean on each other as they make their ways to happily ever after.
In real life romance, siblings also play a role. Prospective spouse picking is a sport. I married my brother’s friend. My cousin introduced her friends, now sisters-in-law, to her three brothers. My mom introduced her brother-in-law to her friend’s sister. Her running joke was to say, “I’m so sorry.”
Our siblings know us best. In my family, its all about facial expressions. I know what they’re thinking by looking at them. We were taught to read the room before expressing an opinion, especially with extended family. My parents are gone so my siblings fill the memory holes. They recall teachers, schools, friends, and all things growing up. My brother can recite our old neighborhood down to the houses’ car brands and pets.
Family is the always bond that ties us together. They’re there for the first dates, breakups, weddings, and beyond. For better and for worse.
Mary Jo is a USA Today bestselling author and 2014 WRWDC Marlene Award winner. She writes whatever pops into her head including paranormal, fantasy, romance, and mystery stories. Being an eternal pessimist and multi-tasker helps Mary Jo put her characters in desperate situations. She reads, likes her kids, and is currently working on her next project.
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