Linguist Deborah Tannen interviewed more than 100 women for her new book on sister relationships, but as the youngest of three sisters, she was able to draw on plenty of experience of her own.
You Were Always Mom’s Favorite is the latest in her relationship canon; Tannen has covered everything from conversations between mothers and daughters (You’re Wearing THAT?) conversations between coworkers (Talking From 9 to 5) and, of course, conversations between men and women … twice (You Just Don’t Understand and That’s Not What I Meant!)
In some ways, siblings and especially sisters are more influential in your childhood than your parents,” Tannen tells Susan Stamberg (who is an only child).
Sister relationships are about competition and definition: the pretty one and the smart one, the athletic one and the bookworm.
“That comparison can be frustrating because you feel you’re pigeonholed,” Tannen explains. “It gives you a starting point to decide who you are going to be.”
