h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Me and my brother and sister didn't stop fighting and squabbling until we had all passed eighteen, so I think that must be the only way to resolve all the myriad problems involved with growing up together.

I and my 6 years younger brother didn't stop fighting until I moved into my own home - when we were no longer getting on each others nerves every day we got along so much better!

Mostly I get on well with my sister now. We have both moved out from home and live in the same city, but in different flats.

However we drove home together for Christmas... No blood was lost, but it was a close thing, particularly on the return journey. My nerves were shot to pieces for days.

Update to that:
Had an argument with my sister for far too long last night over the phone about why I haven't phoned her on her mobile yet. I think.
Why? Why? Why?

My brother and I couldn't be in the same room without a war breaking out when we were kids. I think at times we honestly hated each other. Our poor Mom. She was an only child, and she figured we should love each other and get along. Dad set her straight - he had 2 sisters and 2 brothers - and him in the middle. Mom once told me she'd give anything for a brother - I told her she could have mine. Ever see a mother explode? Not a pretty picture!

Now we're grown, have children of our own, and my brother has grand kids. We're really close, and delight in long e-mails and even longer phone conversations. He's my best friend - but it was a long, bloody fight to get here!

I, as fate would have it, have an only child. He had no one to fight with over whose turn it was to do dishes, or who's turn to practise for the music lesson, and got parental undivided attention. The closest he had to a sibling was the dog - especially when we were travelling. Then from the back seat it was "Mom, Babe's lying on me" and "Mom, Babe's breathing on me" and I had to convince a full-grown springer spaniel to move over and stay on her own side of the car. Good thing he wasn't twins! All credit to parents of several children!