My brother is a year older than me and we used to be close in like fifth, sixth and seventh grade. Now I am in eighth grade and he just started hs and it is like he hates me. In the past four weeks he has only said ten words to me! Seriously, he is driving me crazy! He has made a whole different group of friends and it really bugs me because he’s never home. And when he is, he is just texting or online. I just really want to tell him things again like who I like, what happened at lunch, but he won’t listen! He treats me like a baby and he isn’t there for me. Ugh, please help! I want my brother back, I need guy advice from him, I need to know what is going on…’

-Anonymous‘

Hey, girlie. I totally know what you mean. The same thing happened to me, except with my younger brother. I guess once he hit high school, he thought it wasn’t cool to be close with his sister. We were just like you guys. We used to tell each other secrets, talk about problems and give each other advice.

I know right now it sucks that your older brother is acting this way, but you should give him a tiny little break. High school is a really difficult time social level wise. Lots of people go through changes during their first year. I know I did, my brother did, and I’m sure you will too. He is probably just trying to see where he fits in and is neglecting other people close to him, like you, because he knows you will be there for him no matter what.

Although it seems that he’s become more distant, deep inside, he still has that brotherly love for you and you should know that he’s always got your back cause he knows you will always have his. Try to be a supportive sister now, because I guarantee that your brother will look back and regret how he treated you during that time.

If it really bothers you a lot, you should talk to your brother about how he’s been treating you. Tell him you miss the closeness you guys used to have and that you miss his good advice. He will either respond by brushing you off like he has been doing, or be understanding. Whatever way he responds to you, be positive and remember that he is your one and only older brother and love him for who he is, okay, girl? =)

<3, Sharon