We may not always get along, but I cannot imagine my life without him. Having a younger brother is such a blessing in disguise that too many people seem to take for granted. Here are ten reasons why I am thankful for my little brother:

1. You are always there to make me laugh.

No matter what time of day it is, you can light up a room with your silly personality and lame jokes. Even though sometimes I may seem annoyed with you, you bring a little piece of happiness to me every time you act like yourself.

2. Video games and TV are our bonding time.

It is nice to have someone who I can connect with in the house when it comes to certain video games and television. Whether it is playing "Clash of Clans" or watching "Boy Meets World", I know that you will always want to do one or the other (maybe even sometimes both!) along with me.

3. You always have my back.

I know you are younger than me (5 and a half years to be exact), but you still act like my own personal body guard. You never put up with anyone hurting me and I know you do not like to see me cry. You protect me like any brother would when it comes to their sister, even though I am older than you. It means a lot to me to have someone in my life who always has my back.

4. You listen to my annoying rants about what/what not to do when it comes to relationships.

It may be annoying to you, but I am really trying to prepare you for the world of dating. You are my younger brother, so of course I want to make sure you treat your future girlfriend in the best way possible. I know that you are not ready to begin dating just yet, but believe me, bud, this will help you in the long run.

5. Watching you on the field makes me so proud.

I have been watching you play sports ever since you were a little boy; from football, to basketball, to baseball, it is one thing that I enjoy doing in my free time. I love seeing your face light up when you score a touchdown or get a solid hit in baseball; it is the little things that make my day when it comes to being your proud, older sister. Plus, it is nice to have someone who can educate me on those certain sports that I might not quite understand.

6. You can give me a guy's perspective on things.

I get that you are only 13, but it really helps having you around to tell me what my boyfriend may be thinking. I am a girl, so I tend to over react quite a bit, but you put me in my place and make sure I do not over think something so small.

7. I have had time to practice being a teacher with you.

Being older than you definitely has its perks. Since I am pursuing my career in becoming an elementary teacher, I have had the honor with helping you in your schoolwork throughout your schooling.

8. You are the BEST secret keeper.

If I have something on my chest, I know I can come belt it out to you and that your lips will be sealed. When you were born, I never imagined myself being so comfortable when it came to trusting you with my secrets, but I am so grateful that we are where we are today.

9. Food is our go to.

Hungry? Want Portillos or Subway? You are my fast-food go to buddy. I know that whenever I am in the mood to go out to eat, you will always come with me (as long as you like what we are getting of course).

10. You will forever be my best friend.

No matter what life puts us through, we will always have each others' back. Life would not be the same without you in it; you're my video game partner, late-night tv buddy, younger brother, and best-friend all wrapped into one. It does not matter how many fights we get into or what we say to one another, just know that I will always love you and be here for you until our last day.