Interviews Allison, Andrea and Tami Oki about sisterhood. Views on
Andrea's wedding; Benefits of having sisters.
By
PT Staff, published on May 01, 2001
The Oki sisters are scattered all over the country, but when they
see eachother they end up in tears, laughing. Three years ago, Tami and
Allison took turns as bridesmaids at Andrea's wedding. Relationships
expert Janice Levine, Ph.D., talked to them about that day, their
lifelong friendship and what sisterhood means to them.
Allison: It was an exciting day. I felt happy and confident for
Andrea. J knew that her future husband loved her in a very unselfish way,
and I felt good about that.
Andrea: It was reassuring to have my sisters there, a comfort. My
wedding wouldn't have been complete without them.
Tami: We were all so happy for Andi that day. The three of us have
distinct personalities and interests, but we know each other really well.
We've experienced so much together. When we want to talk something over,
we don't have to tell the whole story and be in gales of hysteria. Having
that shared experience is one of the best things about having
sisters.
Andrea: They know the complete history of the family: the good and
the bad. They're the two people who really understand.
Tami: You often pick friends who have your interests. But with a
sister, you know her well even if she is different. I don't think I
enjoyed my sisters as much as I could have when I was young, but now we
get along really well.
Andrea: If they weren't my sisters, I might not have been friends
with them. But they really add to my life and broaden how I think. It's
not like it's a fairy tale; we do fight.
Allison: It's a balance--there's always a mediator. I'm so happy
that I have my sisters. I can see us growing old together.
Analysis: What makes relationships between sisters strong and deep,
regardless of their differences? As Allison explains, "My joy is not just
in my life alone, but it's in sharing it with them" These women describe
how totally safe, secure and open they can be with each other. This is
because of the sense of continuity and comfort that comes only from
having a history of shared experiences. Whether teasing and fighting as
kids, sharing grief over the loss of their father, or joy at weddings and
births, these women have gone through it all--together. They love and
accept each other "as is" Would they have chosen each other as friends?
Maybe, maybe not. But all three women agree that there's nobody closer to
them or who understands them better. They're more than best
friends--they're sisters.
PHOTO (COLOR): Allison (left) and youngest sister Andrea (center),
with eldest Tami and her son Akira.
Tags:
allison,
andi,
andrea,
bridesmaids,
distinct personalities,
exciting day,
fairy tale,
history of the family,
hysteria,
janice,
lifelong friendship,
mediator,
tami
