So like a lot of people, I am not an only child. I have a younger brother who is 15, and I always wonder what advice he wants/needs from me.
My younger brother is my best friend, so he comes to me for advice on a lot of things. But I know I personally have so many things I want to tell him, and I realized recently that every older sibling probably feels the same way. So I decided to go around and ask people to tell me one piece of advice they'd give their younger siblings (including my own advice to my brother).
1. Siwe, 21, to her brother, 17
"I would tell him to think before he gets into a relationship. To think, 'why am I dating this girl? Can I see a future with her? Am I ready to be the man she needs? Am I willing to fall in love with her, even if that means struggles and challenges, so not just her, but all of her? Am I ready to commit and love someone?' Because if not, that's a definite that he will break her heart. It overall comes to what kind of man does my brother want to be."
2. Andrew, 21, to his brother, 14
"I would tell him to dream big and never let anything get in the way of accomplishing his goals. Too often in life, people try to tell you things are impossible, I know because it's happened to me. But you have to do things your way and not how others tell you. Because nobody knows you better than you. [And as a side note] you're a hell of a lot happier that way."
3. Alice, 20, to her sister, 17
"You've heard of "YOLO" and it got super overused. But let's be real here, this really is the only life you've got. Take risks, go on adventures, get that haircut or piercing you want. Make friends with a stranger- even if it's just a small friendship that doesn't blossom into best friends. Always be kind, but don't forget that you're a bad ass and you can do anything you set your mind to. Don't hold on to the negativity that is thrown your way in a negative way, but instead use that to your advantage and build yourself up from that.
That guy/girl you think is cute is cute, take a risk and smile at them, even talk to them, but don't open your heart to them. Protect your heart with an iron wall. Heartbreaks will hurt like hell, but they make you stronger. Don't spend your life looking for love, acceptance, or gratitude from anyone other than yourself.
And no matter what, remember that I love you. Even when I'm not home, even when I'm not showing it, I love you. More than anything in this world and you are amazing in all the best ways."
4. Emily, 20, to her brother, 15
"I would tell him to never lose himself. To never ever compromise himself for someone else. Not a significant other, not for our parents or family, not for his friends, nobody. And to stand up for himself and what he believes in. I've given myself up to others, to the point where I completely lost myself in temporary people, for far too long. And I had to claw my way back from that. And I could not watch my baby brother go through the pain that put me through. I never want him to forget who he is."
5. Kaden, 23, to his brother, 19
"There is no advice I can give him. He makes his own mistakes, and no one ever learns by being taught a lesson. You have to practice and try it for yourself. I can tell him not to touch a rose, because it's pointy, but he will never truly know until he experiences it himself."
6. Audrey, 17, to their brother, 14
"I want him to know that people are really mean in this world, but he should never lose the kindness that he carries with him. He's a very sweet kid, and I don't want the world to run him over."
7. John, to his brother, 11, and his sister, 16
"Strive to achieve your goals, always stay humble. Get involved with school activities, and never let your guard down."
8. Addie, 21, to her sister, 15
"I'd tell her it's okay to not be friends with everyone. Sometimes, friendships just don't work out. Even if all your friends are gone, you'll always find new ones, and your family will always be there for you. Everything always works out in the end."
9. Shayla, 22, to her sister, 19
"Never let anyone tell you what to do. Never let anyone tell you who you are. Never let anyone tell you what you are capable of. You're better than what people can say. You always have been, and you always will be. So live your life the way that makes you happy."
10. Ashley, 20, to her brothers, 12
"I would tell them to follow your heart. Plain and simple."
