Being only two years apart, my older brother and I have shared a lot. We share jokes, stories, sometimes food, friends and experiences. I've never had to be alone because I had him to go to with everything. As we grew together I think he taught me more than I ever taught him. So here is a tribute to my big bro of some things I've picked up from him over the years.

1.I got in on the fun happenings in high school.

Yeah, I was the annoying little sister that followed him around while we were in school together. His friends, I liked to believe, were my friends. Looking back on it, I wish I had not put him through babysitting me 24/7, but I got in on what was going on in the senior class so it was a win.

2. I always had someone to tell jokes to.

No one quite enjoyed my puns like my brother. He actually encouraged them. One of the best things in the world to me is that we share the same sense of humor so I know I always have someone to call when I hear a new joke.

3. He taught me to embrace everything about myself, even the weird parts.

My brother is weird. So incredibly weird. But so am I. He learned to embrace it earlier than I did, but from watching him I stopped trying to cover my awkwardness. It's who we are and it's another trait I'm so glad we share. One of my favorite things to hear is "You act just like your brother" because that means I'm embracing all parts of myself.

4.He taught, and still teaches me patience.

For some reason, he is everyone's favorite sibling. So when he visits home, everyone wants his attention. He makes sure he gets one on one time with everyone and feels guilty when he doesn't. He is always willing to help me with work, no matter what is on his schedule and he is notorious for putting others first.

5. I know I can always get honest feedback from him.

Got a new outfit? Trying out new slang words? Gained a few pounds? He is the Clinton Kelly of brutal honesty. This is a curse and a blessing but it's what he is good at.

6. I am a trained debater and am well seasoned at holding my own because of him.

We like to debate. Not argue,debate. We like to come up with random topics and discuss them in their entirety for hours or even days. He basically trained me to be Megyn Kelly, but less whiny than her.

7.Who is the king of practical jokes? My brother. Who is the queen? Me.

I like to consider myself his practical joke apprentice. Sometime's they are as little as going out to dinner with fake identities and making the tables around us believe strange stories. Or clear wrapping everything I own. Other times, they are as big as almost stealing a car. Things happen.

8. He taught me to be spontaneous.

Most of the best things we did together were unplanned. He is adventurous and curious and those traits make the best kind of person.

9. He taught me to chill out.

He does not worry or fear what's coming next. While I am constantly over thinking everything, he is my voice of reason that says 'Girl, chill.'

10. He taught me to do things for myself.

Yes, he helps with my work. Yes, he fixes things when they're broken. Yes, I contstantly need his help. But through these things, he reminds me that I don't actually need him. He reminds me that I am smart enough and strong enough to do it on my own.

11. He reminds me that not all older brothers have to be tough and mean.

I never got noogies, or beat up. He never threatened my boyfriends or made me feel inferior. He is not your typical older brother. He is kind, selfless, and just an all around good guy.

I will never understand why he puts up with me, but I'm glad he does.