BBC: The bond between sisters

So, Georgie I'd like to know if you have any brothers and sisters, if you get on well with them. 

Yes, I do. I have a sister and we get on very well. We didn't used to but now that we're adults we get on well. 

Well, in this programme we'll  be discussing one of the closest relationships there is: teh connection between sisters. We'll hear from three Irish sisters reuniting on a radio show, and from  a psychotherapist on some stereotypes about sisterhood. Plus, we'll be learning some useful new vocabulary too. And remember, if you want to read along while you listen you can find the script for this programme on our website, bbclearningenglish.com.

Yeah, great idea! Now, whether you have one or not, our history and culture is full of sisters, from the fairy tale of Cinderell and her ugly sisters to tennis players, Venus and Serena Williams. And currently two sisters, Ellie and Rachel Reeves, are senior ministers in the British government. So, Neil, my question for you is this: what is Rache Reeves' government job? Is she?

a) Home Secretary    b) Foreign Secretary     or   c) Chancellor of the Exchequer?

Well, I think the answer is  c) the Chancellor of the Exchequer, which is the name of the finance minister in the UK. 

OK, Neil, we'll find out if that's the correct answer later in the programme. 

They both live in Ireland so they're joining me on a video call. Hello, Eileen. Hello Vera. Welcome to Woman's Hour. 

Nuala was born in Dublin and moved to New York then London to work as a journalist, while her two sisters stayed in Ireland. Here she introduces her olde sister, Vera, and younger sister Eileen, for a BBC Radio 4 Woman's Hour special about sisterhood. Nuala was a little worried what her sisters would say about her on the radio, so let's listen in and find out:

Eileen, what would you say if you were to describe our relationship as sisters?

Very connected. I think, and we do get on very well which I'm proud to say. 

Yes, exactly. I'm going to put you on the spot. Vera, what word would you use to describe me as a sister?

I couldn't give you a word, but you definitely march to your own drum. What would that word be?

Independent?

Definitely. You like to control the situation. 

Eileen thinks she gets on with her sisters. To get on with someone means to like them and have a good relationship with them. 

Nuala puts her older sister on the spot by asking Vera to describe her in one word. When you put someone on the spot, you make them answer a difficult question then and there, sometimes making them embarrassed or uncomfortable. 

But Nuala didn't need to worry what her sisters would say- Vera simply said that Nuala marches to her own drum- she does things in her own way which may be different from how other people do things. 

It seems Vera, Nuala and Eileen have remained close friends as they've grown up, but the relationship between older, middle and younger sisters isn't always so harmonious. Let's listen to BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour special programme as nuala is joined by psychotherapist, Jennifer Gledhill:

Thank you very much to Eileen and Vera. What a teat to have a chat with my sisters, about sisters! I want to bring in Jennifer here who's listening to it all. Some of the stereotypes around siblings, that the elder sister is bossy, the middle sister is a peacemaker, and the little sister is spoiled- that is not applying to our family- but I'm wondering, is there any substance to that? Or why does that even get bandied around?