Why can’t you be more like your sister?
A tribute to the youngest daughters
‘I want to be great or nothing.’ - Amy March, Little Women
Why can’t you be more like your sister? The words place a weight heavier than a ton of bricks on my shoulders. She’s perfect, ethereal, anything a parent would want in their daughter.
Why can’t you be more like your sister? She chose an ideal career path in STEM. I, on the other hand, chose my passion of pursuing the Arts and becoming a successful author and journalist one day. I hope to publish my book one day and for it to become a bestseller too.
Why can’t you be more like your sister? She’s calm and composed. She accepts her duties and listens to our commands without voicing her opinions.
Why can’t you be more like your sister? The expectations and duties of this weight tear me down bit by bit.
Why can’t I be more like my sister? I’m me.
I’m messy, little, imperfect me. The sister who is clumsy every second of the day and speaks her opinions loud and proud. The sister who is the life of the party and brings infectious, positive energy wherever she goes. The sister who yaps nonstop about the things she loves and loves company around her so she never feels lonely (though she is slowly learning to love her solitude at times too).
I trip and stumble on the path of who I’m becoming but I remain steadfast in who I am and my beliefs. I’m sorry that’s not enough for you, like my sister who fulfilled all your expectations and desires.
Why can’t I be more like my sister?
I want to fulfil all of my own expectations and desires and run free. I want to explore every corner of this world and not get tired of this everlasting journey. I’m sorry that’s not enough for you, but that’s just who I am.
Why can’t I be more like my sister?
I’m messy, little, imperfect me. The sister who realises her impact on the world and the way her words can touch others. The sister who wants to make the world her oyster before time slips through her hands.
I weave words into reality intricately and I’m learning people like that so I’ve found a form of expression for myself, to make things easier for me I suppose. I want the world to know my name and my book before time runs out. It’s a bit messy and confusing at times but I’ve found my place in this world and I hope it never fades away.
I don’t want your love or sympathy. I just want you to understand my perspective as the youngest sister, now trying to fill this role of being the eldest as she has left and settled down. Trying to be her when I just simply want to be me. Trying to fulfil these unreachable expectations and desires which feel lightyears away.
Why can’t I be more like my sister? I’m me.
I’m not her and I never will be. I take this weight off my shoulders and place it in front of you. This is who I truly am. I hope that’s enough for you.
Love,
Your youngest daughter
To my fellow youngest daughters, I see you and I hear you. We may never be perfect enough for our parents or even remotely similar to our elder sisters but that doesn’t matter. We are uniquely ourselves and that truly matters. I’m sending all my love and strength to you all and think of this piece as a virtual hug from myself.
Inspired by the beautiful, complex character that is Amy March from Little Women:
Hi everyone! I hope you’re all well. Another little short piece from me today. I hope you all like it and let me know what you think below.
Lots of love and hugs,
Halima <3
ohhh wow. i'm not the youngest or even a younger daughter, i am the eldest daughter and still i related to this so much being someone who, when my dad remarried, had a perfect, obedient step sister come into my life, who everyone thinks is the eldest and who i'm always compared to. thank you for this. this was beautifully written
This is so well written 🥹 Thank you so much for writing it 🩷✨
As the youngest daughter I also wrote and posted something similar. Do check it out and share your thoughts I would love to hear them 💕🤍