Everybody needs a sister– at least if the results of a new study from the University of Ulster in Ireland hold true. Researchers at the school recently asked 571 people ages 17 to 25 about their lives and discovered that the ones who grew up with sisters tend to be happier and more balanced, according to the BBC .

‘Sisters appear to encourage more open communication and cohesion in families,’ said professor and head researcher Tony Cassidy. ‘However, brothers seemed to have the alternative effect.’

The University study said having daughters made a family more open and willing to discuss feelings.

They said the influence of girls was particularly important after distressing family events.

Not everyone is buying it, though. One reader told BBC, ‘I have a sister and am neither happy nor balanced.’

What do you think? Sisters before bros?

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