My younger brother and I grew up just two and a half years apart. Needless to say, I thought it was the most tragic thing that could ever happen. I question if my brother actually is related to us and was made by my parents fairly often, but I realize again and again how thankful I am to have him. In just eighteen years, my brother has taught me more about life and myself than anyone else.

Here are 10 reasons I would never stop choosing my little brother:

1. March 22, 2000, the best day of my life.

The day my brother was born became the best day of my life because having two older sisters meant that I was the youngest girl and would not have to compete to be dad’s favorite little girl. Thanks, brother, for making me the favorite!

2. He always has me laughing.

Don’t get me wrong, my brother and I would argue and fight but I always had a smile on my face and was seen laughing. With that being said, my brother is the kindest, most down to earth boy I have ever met... until one day when we were wrestling around, and I hit his head on the coffee table in the living room. He quickly turned around and punched me in the face, but my only instinct was to laugh because I never expected him to do such a thing.

3. We are NOT twins.

My brother is 7 inches taller than me and looks approximately 5 years younger than me in the face. Numerous times we have been mistaken for twins, I AM JUST HIS LITTLE BIG SISTER.

4. You have someone that knows exactly what you are going through.

Our parents are great. They gave me the coolest younger brother I could ever imagine, but our parents are something else. Being the two youngest and the only two left in the house, we are personal therapists, easy targets, and the most selfish, irresponsible children. Chuckie, you get it, and I promise it will only get worse.

5. He is the best secret keeper.

Everyone has their secrets and somehow younger brothers always find them out, but older sisters always find out their younger brothers too. Thanks for never ratting me out. As long as it stays that way, I will never rat you out either.

6. He always gets pulled into your shenanigans.

I don’t know how and I don’t know why, but you are somehow by my side when mom and dad find out about a “bad decision that has consequences.” Like the time we realized glass bottles are no longer recycled or when we went bowling that one night.

7. He will eat EVERYTHING.

Whether you need someone to finish the food on your plate or you are really enjoying a meal, your brother will make sure he enjoys it just as much. He also is the best taste tester and will eat any Pinterest creation gone wrong. Sharing is caring, except when it comes to food, everything belongs to Chuckie.

8. He is always there for you.

When the time is right, a younger brother will step up and act as a shoulder to cry on, a backbone to hold you up, or some back-up when it comes to competing with and taking down mom and dad.

9. When you have one younger brother, you end up with multiple.

I thought having one younger brother was cool, but as time went on and he and his friends grew older, I realized I was blessed with numerous younger brothers. These younger brothers have been there just as much as my own and became a part of our family, a part of our family that completes us. All of my brothers will always hold a special place in my heart.

10. You will miss your younger brother.

I thought it was cool leaving for college and getting a whole new experience. I never thought I would miss the little valley that I would call home. I was not wrong. I don’t miss home, I miss the people from home, more than anyone, my younger brother. My best friend.