Half of it all.

Sibling! (Photo credit: Gus Dahlberg)

I’m overly logical.

I state the facts.

Facts and concrete evidence are comforting ideals.

The problem with facts is that not everyone appreciates the truth or the facts of a situation.

And this isn’t a criticism of what choose to accept or reject. Many truths are marred with malice, but not all.

Facts and truths are more than just that; they govern how I view situation or tackle a relationship.

I have many friends who share the same sentiment.

My one friend has several half-siblings, many who she’s met quite late in life. Many who she’s happily gotten along with and some she hasn’t. But in it all, she’s always introduced them and regarded them as her half-siblings.

Recently, one of her brothers had a heated argument. He hated how he’s viewed as the “half-brother” and decided to attack her for this. The argument lead to immature name calling.

We sat and discussed it. I agreed with her logic: he was her half-brother.  Yes they had the same father, but they didn’t share entire upbringings, morals etc. He was half of it all.

She even confessed to only mildly caring about him and his well-being.

I can’t dictate the extent to which you can care for a sibling. I just agree with the facts and I don’t find the fact repulsive or appalling. Judging someone on the extent they care for another isn’t in my interest.

If a sibling labelled me or introduced me as half, I honestly wouldn’t flinch. Why? Because it’s the truth. It’s not malicious intent.  Some people are different. Maybe the psychology of the brother wanted a whole family unit, something he lacked within his own childhood. Perhaps in the grand scheme of things, he refused to see or acknowledge half-truths or half-families.

Love and family unions run deeper than the mere 25% she happens to share with him. Bonding and caring about another person is what makes families so unique.

However, in the same breath, I could understand my friend’s predicament and her psychological need to state and acknowledge the facts. I can understand her candour, and I can understand his anger, but I don’t see the need for anger.

What say you?

Related articles

• Why There Are No “Half” Siblings (parentsofcolorseeknewborntoadopt.wordpress.com)
• The Ethicist: Halfhearted Half Brother (nytimes.com)
• The Fighter (mrmovietimes.com)
• Like a Second Parent (theofficialtta.wordpress.com)