Eldest Sibling Chronicles: The Ultimate Balancing Act

alfred adler

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Being the eldest sibling often feels like carrying the weight of the entire family on your shoulders. As the eldest of three, I know this all too well. From helping my sisters with their assignments to supporting my parents in disciplining my younger sibling or managing the household staff, it often feels like I’m the glue holding everything together. There's an unspoken responsibility to ensure everyone’s well-being.

A beloved family member once told me, “It’s really hard to be the eldest. Sometimes, I wish I could just switch off my brain and let someone else take charge.” And I couldn’t agree more.

Moreover, I can’t imagine the weight my mother carries as the eldest among her siblings. Despite her own responsibilities, she continues to extend emotional and financial support to her family. Her selflessness and resilience are truly admirable, and I often think about her when facing my own challenges.

This sense of responsibility carries over into my work and studies.

Failure often feels like it’s simply not an option. I’ve always aimed high, striving for success at every turn. But reality hit hard when I received a failing mark in school. The feelings of incompetence and disappointment were overwhelming, especially when you’re raised to believe success is the coveted path.

Thankfully, I’m continuously learning to see failure in a new light—not as the opposite of success but as a stepping stone toward it. Even now, though, the drive to stay on top and make the right choices never truly goes away.

Turning 30: Embracing the Benefits of Aging

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As I turn 30 this year, I couldn't be more excited about the journey ahead! Personally, I've honed in on a career path that ignites my passion, affording me the ability to invest in experiences that truly enrich my life. This pivotal age allows me to direct my focus towards my spouse and family with newfound clarity.

They say wisdom accompanies age, and indeed, as you gain more insight into how the world operates, you find yourself increasingly at peace, with fewer uncertainties clouding your mind. Here are some remarkable benefits that come with turning 30, and if you're feeling apprehensive, fear not:

Psychology Behind the K-Wave: Why Filipinos Are Hooked

idols

Over the past decade, a captivating phenomenon has taken the world by storm - the Korean Culture craze. From learning how to speak and read Hangul during the pandemic to obsessively following K-pop and K-drama, Filipinos have been drawn into this global cultural wave. Including myself!

The surge in interest isn't merely coincidental; it's deeply rooted in the psychology of human behavior. Why has K-Culture captured the hearts of millions worldwide, particularly in the Philippines?

Escapism and Fantasy

The allure of escapism and fantasy lies at the heart of the K-Culture craze. For Filipinos seeking an escape from the routine, K-dramas offer a captivating alternative that allows them to immerse themselves in a world of romance, adventure, and excitement.

According to a study conducted by Kircaburun et al. (2021), Mukbang watching has been found to have beneficial consequences. It seems to alleviate feelings of loneliness and social isolation by creating a virtual social community. 

Challenging the Societal Pressure to Get Married

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Have you ever wondered why there's so much pressure to get married, even though it's not a requirement?

It's like a weight that suddenly falls upon you the moment you hit 25 and enter the realm of adulthood. The quarter-life crisis hits you like a tidal wave, and you find yourself grappling with responsibilities you never thought much about before.

You're expected to secure a good job, earn a certain amount of money, and, of course, find a life partner. But let's be honest, getting married doesn't hold the same importance as building a successful career or creating a better life for yourself. Yet, those around you seem to believe that hitting a certain age automatically means it's time to settle down and start a family.

I've personally experienced this firsthand. I've been with my husband for 12 years, including our time as girlfriend and boyfriend. When I was single, I constantly faced relentless questioning about when I would settle down. Now that I'm in a committed relationship, I understand why people are curious about it, but I, too, had my own uncertainties. I had no clue when my partner would pop the question, and I eagerly anticipated that moment. Social gatherings became a breeding ground for constant pressure and interrogations.

But here's the thing: regardless of whether that proposal comes when expected or not, the lingering feeling of needing to get married takes a toll on your mental and emotional well-being. It becomes an additional burden amidst all the other significant responsibilities and pressures life throws at you.

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