24 Sister Quotes to Inspire Strong Sisterhood

Author Sara Corpening Whiteford wonders, "How do people make it through life without a sister?" Many sister-less women have made it, and are making it, because we have sisterly friends. These are girlfriends with whom we share mutual acceptance, affirmation, advice, accountability, and all the perks which make relationships sweet, strong and successful. They may be few but faithful.

The quotes in the first of three sections target "blood sisters." They share one or two parents. Many of us without such an experience, covet the privilege.

In the "sisterly friends" section, the quotes fit those who share siblings as well as those who share souls. Both groups have access to similar, sincere, supportive connections by which we can all be richly blessed.

In the third section, there are some principles of sisterhood, which underscore the necessity of our being connected. They also aim to inspire us, on the days when moods threaten to make us disagreeable, to remain loving and sisterly for the strength of the entire sisterhood.

1. "True sisterhood is not the same as friendship. You don't choose each other and there is no furtive period of getting to know each other. You are a part of each other, right from the start." ― Coco Mellors

2. "You may be as different as the sun and the moon, but the same blood flows through both your hearts. You need her, as she needs you." ― George R.R. Martin

3. "Perhaps God gave one sisters to teach one to love the inexplicable." ― Courtney Milan

4. "Love is close to hate when it comes to sisters. You're as close as two humans can be. You came from the same womb. The same background … That's why it hurts so much when your sister is unkind. It's as though part of you is turning against yourself." ―Jane Corry

5. "I have a sister, so I know-that relationship, it's all about fairness: you want your sibling to have exactly what you have-the same amount of toys, the same number of meatballs on your spaghetti, the same share of love." ― Jodi Picoult

6. "Sister is probably the most competitive relationship within the family, but once the sisters are grown, it becomes the strongest relationship." ― Margaret Mead

7. "Parents die, daughters grow up and marry out, but sisters are for life. She is the only person left in the world who shares my memories of our childhood, our parents … when our hair is white, we'll still have our sister love." ― Lisa See

8. "You are blood. You are sisters. No man can break that bond." —Kim Boykin

9. "But what Mom never told me is that along the way, you find sisters, and they find you. Girls are cool that way." ― Adriana Trigiani

10. "Having a sister or a friend is like sitting at night in a lighted house. Those outside can watch you if they want, but you need not see them . . . and it is the smugness as much as the comfort and safety that lonely people covet and admire." ― Marilynne Robinson

11. "What are sisters for if not to point out the things the rest of the world is too polite to mention?" ― Claire Cook

12. "She is your mirror, shining back at you with a world of possibilities. She is your witness, who sees you at your worst and best, and loves you anyway. . . She is your teacher, your defense attorney, your personal press agent, even your shrink." ― Barbara Alpert

13. "It isn't blood that makes you my sister; it's how you understand my heart as though you carry it in your body." ― Rupi Kaur

14. "That’s what sisters and girlfriends are all about. Sticking together even in the mud, 'specially in mud." ― Delia Owens

15. "Acquaintances were always on their best behavior, but sisters loved each other enough to say anything." —Lauren Weisberger

16. "A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life." ― Isadora James

17. "Every woman is your sister, and every woman needs her sisters. So try to give other women the courtesy of your compassion, respect, and forgiveness." ― Jewell Parker Rhodes

18. "Show the same respect to younger women that you would to your sister." ― 1 Timothy 5: 2 CEV

19. "The love of sisters needs no words. It does not depend on memories, or mementos, or proof. It runs as deep as a heartbeat. It is as ever present as a pulse." ― Lisa Wingate

20. "Christian sisters should not at any time dress extravagantly, but at all times dress as neat, modest, and healthful, as their work will allow." ― Ellen G. White

21. “We have a little sister too young to have breasts. What will we do for our sister if someone asks to marry her? If she is a virgin, like a wall, we will protect her … But if she is promiscuous, like a swinging door, we will block her door.” ― Song of Solomon 8: 8, 9 NLT

22. "Sisters function as safety nets in a chaotic world simply by being there for each other." ― Carol Saline

23. "We hang out, we help one another, we tell one another our worst fears and biggest secrets, and then just like real sisters, we listen and don't judge." ― Adriana Trigiani

24. "Try not to stab your sister, whatever the provocation." ― George R. R. Martin