Joining a sorority can be an exciting experience for many young women as they embark on a new journey in college. One of the most cherished sorority traditions is the assignment of a Big Sister to a Little Sister, where the Big Sister guides and supports her younger counterpart. However, despite the best intentions, conflicts can arise, and Little Sisters may struggle to connect with their Big Sisters, thus creating communication barriers that should be resolved. This blog post will explore the primary issues in assigning Big Sisters to Little Sisters in sororities. Moreover, we will offer some tips on managing these problems while highlighting the factors necessary to turn these Big-Little relationships into exceptional literature.
Communication Barrier
The most significant challenge frequently encountered in a Big-Little relationship is poor communication. Both parties may often have conflicting schedules, making it challenging to maintain consistent communication. Additionally, some Little Sisters may have expectations that are difficult to meet or may not give their Big Sisters ample opportunities to establish a connection. In turn, Big Sisters may not take the lead in initiating conversation or may not be engaging in their interactions with their Little Sisters. The solution to this problem is to ensure that both parties have ample opportunities for communication, either through regular meetings or by setting up alternative communication channels such as email or social media. This way, the duo would have consistent touchpoints, which would help establish rapport.
Mismatched Interests
Another common issue individuals may encounter in Big-Little relationships is the lack of shared interests. Because of this, it may be challenging for both parties to establish trust and find common ground for conversation. This problem can only be resolved by both parties being honest about their interests, expectations, and how they envision their relationship blossoming. They should also be free to explore other areas of interest that may not necessarily align with their Big or Little Sister. Cultivating an open and honest dialogue allows both parties to build friendships based on mutual respect, trust, and shared love for what connects them.
Financial Burden
Another downside of assigning Big-Little relationships in sororities is the rate at which Little Sisters receive gifts from their Big Sisters in the form of a welcome basket, t-shirts, and goodies. This practice can be a financial burden for Big Sisters, who may not have the financial means to keep up with these expenses. However, it is essential to acknowledge that these high expectations usually stem from the excitement of being a new Little Sister in a sorority. The solution to this problem is to address this issue if it arises sensitively. Big Sisters can be advised to work with their Little Sisters to develop cheaper gift options or help adjust their expectations while maintaining the bond between them.
Personality Differences
In some instances, Little Sisters may dislike their Big Sisters, which can happen for several reasons. Perhaps the Little Sister finds her Big Sister overbearing or does not resonate with her personality or style. Or, the Big Sister may not understand or appreciate the needs and wants of her Little Sister, so the relationship hits a snag. The solution here is to conduct personality tests to help reduce the chances of assigning Little Sisters to Big Sisters with vastly different personalities. Also, individuals in Big-Little relationships should not be afraid to seek counseling or talk to their sorority sisters for guidance.
Future Nostalgia
A significant outcome of resolving all challenges in Big-Little relationships is the opportunity to create lasting memories and forge friendships far beyond college life. Big-Little relationships provide an excellent framework for building unique human experiences and creating vibrant characters in literature.
When you have the right mix of ups and downs, romance, and tragedy, you can write an excellent coming-of-age novel or romance story focused on the trials and tribulations of Big-Little relationships.
As rewarding as the Big-Little relationship model is in sororities, it has its challenges. Proper communication, shared goals, respect, and honesty are the bedrock for long-lasting connections and happy relationships. These lessons can inspire writers, irrespective of genre, to explore Big-Little relationships creatively. Hopefully, the tips discussed in this blog post can help writers craft truly captivating and inspiring stories filled with passion, love, and empathy.
