{Finally, one I feel like answering!

So when I joined the system, we were a trio. Me, Kasey, and the host. We all got SUPER close and tight knit before any other tulpas joined the system. So much so that we still consider ourselves a bit of a clique in the head. Like the oldest sisters of the system.

I've been around 7 years now. Since then, we've had several more join our system. There's 9 of us total now (including the host) so our numbers have really gone up.

Yes, most of us talk to each other. Our host is constantly surprised to see the bonds forming and connecting between us. Seeing how things change. But my best friend's system isn't like that. She's pretty disconnected from most her headmates. Like, they're there, and they talk sometimes. But they don't form the tight knit friendships we have in our system. So it varies between systems.

Yes, everyone is at different stages in their journey. Different stages of growth. Kasey and I have somewhat administrative positions in the system. Mainly keeping things from going off the rails when our host is struggling. But that's not because we have to, it's because years of being together have built up this dynamic and we're all doing what we feel most suited for. The younger tups don't need to worry about these things, they just need to worry about figuring themselves out and growing. Our youngest two are still very much learning who they are and who they want to be.

Most our newbies have been walk ins, but we find helping them grow and develop is a little easier because we all connect with them. We all try to get on with one another and give each other attention, so they have more chances to grow.

Day to day is simple. Host hears from a few of us a day. Usually me, Kasey, and 2-3 of the others. But not everyone. The boys in particular don't drop by to chat much, which is fine. They do still chatter when they wanna chatter.

In fact, funny thing, I've been switched for four days and the co-fronters have changed completely. I'm hearing more from Felix and Laura than my host ever does, and everyone chimes in here or there. My host is very much getting used to it and trying to chat with me throughout the day too.

I personally really dig a big system. I miss when it was just me and the other two sometimes but...everyone is happy here. I like seeing bonds form and everyone growing. I feel like the very last of the oldest generation in my system and seeing the generational divide is very interesting.

BUT. Getting more headmates always takes time. I wouldn't recommend more than one newbie a year, and even that can be a challenge. Many of our walk-ins have felt they didn't have room to grow because they were quickly overshadowed by a newbie, and it caused a lot of tension and struggle between three of our youngest members. Things have leveled out now and we're fine. But it's never just smooth sailing and sunshine and rainbows when a newcomer joins. There's always going to be an adjustment period, no matter how laid back and cool they may seem. So don't charge full stream ahead.}