Sibling relationships are complicated. They can be your best friends, your biggest rivals, or both—sometimes in the same day. No matter how close or distant you are, there are things your siblings feel about you that they would never say out loud. Whether it’s admiration, jealousy, or resentment, some emotions stay buried because saying them might feel too awkward, too personal, or just unnecessary.
If you’ve ever wondered what’s really going on in your sibling’s head, here are six things they secretly feel about you but won’t tell you directly.
1. They’ve Been Jealous of You More Than You Realize
Even the most loving siblings have moments of jealousy. Maybe you were the “golden child,” the one who got better grades, more attention, or seemed to have things easier. Maybe you were more popular in school, had a talent they wished they had, or got away with things they never could.
Sibling jealousy isn’t always obvious—it often comes out in passive-aggressive comments, teasing, or even pulling away emotionally. They might admire you, but at the same time, they wish they had what you did. Even if they’d never admit it, there’s a good chance they’ve compared themselves to you more than once.
2. They Wish They Had Your Confidence (Even If They Make Fun of It)
If you’ve ever noticed your sibling rolling their eyes when you talk about your dreams, it might not be because they don’t believe in you—it might be because they wish they had the same confidence. Watching you go after what you want, take risks, or put yourself out there can be intimidating, especially if they struggle with self-doubt.
Sometimes, teasing or downplaying your success is their way of coping with their own insecurities. It doesn’t mean they don’t support you—it just means they’re still figuring out their own path.
3. They Worry You’re the Favorite (Even If They Pretend Not to Care)
Sibling rivalry often boils down to one thing: Who’s the favorite? Even in adulthood, many siblings secretly wonder if their parents love one child more than the others. Whether it’s subtle preferences or outright favoritism, feeling like they rank lower can be painful.
Your sibling may act like they don’t care, but if they’ve ever joked about you being the “golden child” or rolled their eyes when your parents brag about you, it might not be a joke. They could be holding onto resentment about feeling overlooked—even if they don’t say it outright.
4. They Wish You Understood Their Struggles More
You and your siblings grew up in the same family, but that doesn’t mean you had the same experience. Birth order, personality, and personal challenges shape how each sibling sees the world. Maybe they struggled with something that you never noticed—whether it was pressure to succeed, mental health issues, or feeling like they were always in your shadow.
If they ever seem distant or resentful, it might be because they feel misunderstood. They may not tell you directly, but deep down, they wish you saw things from their perspective instead of assuming their life was just like yours.
5. They Miss the Way Things Used to Be
Even if you still talk to your sibling regularly, chances are your relationship isn’t the same as it was when you were kids. Life gets in the way—careers, relationships, distance—and suddenly, the person you used to spend every day with is now someone you only see on holidays.
Your sibling may not say it, but they probably miss the way things used to be. Whether it was staying up late talking, watching movies together, or just having each other around all the time, those little moments mattered. If they ever seem distant, it might not be because they don’t care—it could be because they don’t know how to reconnect.
6. They’ll Always Defend You—Even If They Act Like You Annoy Them
No matter how much your sibling teases you, argues with you, or claims you drive them crazy, they have your back when it matters. They may call you out on your mistakes, but if anyone else dares to criticize you, they’ll be the first to step in.
This silent loyalty is one of the strongest bonds between siblings. They might not express it with words, but deep down, they’ll always be in your corner—whether it’s standing up for you in a family argument, defending you to others, or secretly feeling proud of you, even if they’d never admit it.
Siblings Feel More Than They Say
Your sibling may not always express how they feel, but that doesn’t mean those emotions aren’t there. Whether it’s hidden admiration, lingering jealousy, or unspoken loyalty, their feelings are more complex than they let on.
If you want to strengthen your bond, try opening the conversation. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple “I appreciate you” or a shared memory to bring you closer.
What’s something you’ve always wondered about how your sibling feels about you? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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Latrice is a dedicated professional with a rich background in social work, complemented by an Associate Degree in the field. Her journey has been uniquely shaped by the rewarding experience of being a stay-at-home mom to her two children, aged 13 and 5. This role has not only been a testament to her commitment to family but has also provided her with invaluable life lessons and insights.
As a mother, Latrice has embraced the opportunity to educate her children on essential life skills, with a special focus on financial literacy, the nuances of life, and the importance of inner peace.