If you have a toxic sibling, you already know the struggle is real. One minute they’re borrowing your clothes without asking (and returning them with a mysterious stain), and the next, they’re gaslighting you into believing it never happened.
But here’s the deal, you’re stuck with them (unless you plan on faking your own disappearance, which, let’s be honest, is way too much effort). So, instead of letting them ruin your mental peace, here are five actually useful ways to survive, uh, I mean, coexist, with your toxic sibling.
1. Master the Art of Selective Hearing
Your sibling probably thrives on drama, right? So, instead of engaging, just don’t. Pretend you’re starring in a reality show where the main challenge is to ignore nonsense.
- Did they just insult you for no reason? Smile and nod like you’re meditating.
- Are they ranting about something you literally don’t care about? Put on AirPods (even if they’re dead) and vibe like you’re listening to Olivia Rodrigo.
They want a reaction. Don’t give them one. Watch their frustration build while you sip your iced coffee like the unbothered queen you are.
2. Set Boundaries Like a Boss
Toxic siblings love testing limits, so you need to build walls higher than your screen time stats.
- “You can’t take my stuff without asking.”
- “I will not be responding to your 47 texts about why you should get the bigger bedroom.”
- “If you bring up that embarrassing childhood story at another family gathering, I will expose you right back.”
Repeat these like affirmations. Stand your ground. Be the main character.
3. Give Them the Same Energy
If they hit you with passive-aggressive texts, reply with more passive-aggression.
Sibling: “Wow, must be nice to have parents who actually like you.”
You: “Right? They always say I’m the favorite. So weird. “
Match their sarcasm, but with a smirk. It confuses them, and that’s your power move.
4. Take the High Road (Even When It Feels Like a Trap)
Sometimes, the best way to win is to let them think they’re winning. If your sibling thrives on negativity, don’t feed the beast.
- Keep responses short (“That’s cool.”)
- Fake busy-ness (“Gotta go, my cat needs emotional support.”)
- Master the bored face
They’ll eventually get bored and move on to terrorizing someone else. Probably your parents.
5. Get Yourself a Therapy Journal (Because Screaming Into the Void Isn’t Sustainable)
Dealing with toxic energy every day? Your brain needs an outlet that isn’t just texting your bestie, “I CANNOT with them.” That’s where a therapy journal comes in.
One I swear by? The “No More Drama” Guided Journal. It’s designed for venting, setting boundaries, and basically becoming that emotionally unshakable person.
- Helps you track toxic patterns (so you don’t get gaslit into forgetting them!)
- Gives prompts to process your feelings (instead of rage-texting)
- Actually makes you feel like you have control over the situation
Get it before your sibling drives you to madness, because let’s be real, it’s cheaper than therapy.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This
At the end of the day, your sibling isn’t going to change overnight. But you can change how you react, and that’s your real power move. So, set those boundaries, sip your iced coffee, and remember: karma always comes back around.
Now, tell me, what’s the most ridiculous thing your sibling has ever done? Drop it in the comments!