For all the Greek women out there, give yourselves a pat on the back and treat yourself to a nice spa day because Formal Membership Recruitment is over! Now that our community’s beautiful New Members have started getting comfortable with their new home away from home, Big/Little preference time is slowly creeping up on everyone. For some chapters, New Members are assigned Big sisters to help them adjust to the chapter more smoothly. For others, New Members get a chance to meet as many sisters as possible before deciding who they would like to guide them as a Big.
As a potential Big, I have come to realize that there are so many different types of Big/Little relationships that Greek women occasionally forget about. While it’s great to find your “other half” and spoil your little one rotten, not all Big/Little relationships have to be about that. Everyone is looking for something different in their experience in Greek life and in their relationship with their Big.
1. The Mini-Me
The mini-me is basically the twin. Most of the time, Bigs bond the most with their Littles when they have very similar styles, habits, personality, physical traits, history, or interests. While this could be one of the more dynamic relationships, two very similar people can clash. The Little often adores the Big and follows her footsteps, and the Big often proudly boasts about her Little and spoils her with an abundance of love. If both the Big and Little are stubborn or both bad at settling conflicts, it could cause a lot of drama.
2. The Complementary Best Friend
In this scenario, the Big and Little are not only joint at the hip but great complements to each other. The Big has traits that benefit the Little and vice versa. They are similar to an extent but also different enough that they can help balance the other. Usually, this type of Big/Little relationship includes being each other’s partner-in-crime, “other half,” and number one fans. This relationship is the most beneficial because both women are reliable sources of support and love for the other. They can be Big and Little in regards to sorority events and best friends outside of them. The letters on their chest do not restrict their friendship.
3. The Mentee
Not all Big/Little relationships are surrounded by shopping trips, binge watching Pretty Little Liars, going out together, or gossiping about the hot new pledge in XYZ fraternity. Some Big/Little pairs are strictly mentor and mentee. The Little looks to the Big for life advice and for help transitioning from a New Member to a sister. Whenever one is in danger or in some sort of college student crisis, the other is there to lend a helping hand and provide a shoulder to cry on. Usually, these type of Greek women are much more independent, industrious, or extremely involved on campus. So naturally, their interactions and contact are minimal compared to the other two types of Big/Little pairs mentioned earlier.
Finding a Big and finding a Little is one of the most exciting things for any Greek woman. When I was a New Member, I looked to my big for advice about the chapter, how to handle boy drama, and how to do better academically. My big was someone who I could count on to guide me through my first semester at college and as a Greek woman as well as go out with and shop around town with. But I also made sure I was someone who could help my Big out during any challenging times, balance her out, and be her partner-in-crime when she wanted an adventurous weekend. I made sure to find a Big who I could grow with.
Now that I have become a potential Big, I find that knowing how you can best help your Little will help you find the most compatible Little for you. If you know you are more distant and reserved, find a Little you can just be a mentor to. If you’re more active and outgoing and bond better with girls who can be your dynamic duo partner, look for a Little who can complement you. If you’re excited to have a little sister to spoil and shadow you, find a Little who is like a younger version of you. Many sisters often forget that it’s not always about the Little but about what you can do for her and even what she could do for you. Aside from just your relationship with your Little, keep in mind that your Little should also fit comfortably in your family! It’s always great to give the Little one a wonderful supportive family so she can also have a Grandbig and Great Grandbig to enjoy her the Greek experience with.
So Greek Lady Tartans, good luck bonding with your New Members. And when the times come, I hope the odds are in your favor and you are paired with the best Little one for you!