You don’t know a true best friend unless you have a sister, especially an older one. You may know what it’s like to have a best friend who’s been by your side since the third grade, or the friend you met in college who could very well be your soul mate. There’s something extra special about a big sister though. The little girl who prayed and begged your parents for you, or the teenage girl who loved you more than anything, even though you were an annoying little pest.
No matter what, your big sister is there for you. You both are literally made out of the same thing, and you understand each other perfectly. If you’re anything like me, growing up without your big sister by your side would have been hell. Here are a few things you little sisters need to thank your big sisters for:
1. Breaking in your parents
Without your older sister to take all the heat from the beginning, you would have gotten in trouble for a lot more. Older sisters were sheltered, protected, and confined by strict rules. Once the baby sister came along though, your parents were well adjusted to dealing with children, so you got a much looser leash.
2. For loving you through your annoying little sister phase
She let you hang out with her older, cooler friends and didn’t absolutely hate you when you followed them around like a lost puppy. Okay, maybe she did hate you a little bit, but at the same time, she didn’t just push you away.
3. She was the first to comfort you when you were in trouble
When Mom and Dad were pissed at you, you can bet that your big sister was the first one to come and hug you as you were crying alone in your room. She’s felt the wrath, too, and understands. Even though she may be thankful it’s not her on that end, she’ll sit with you through anything, and sympathize with how annoying Mom and Dad are. (Love you, Mom and Dad!)
4. The beauty advice
She fixed you when you were a mid-puberty teenager who wore far too much eyeliner and didn’t know how to pluck your eyebrows. Seriously, thank you!
5. The nights you stayed up way too late together
Those nights where you and sister stayed up till 3 a.m., giggling and reminiscing together? Those are some of the best nights, and they remind you that you'd be nothing without your big sister.
6. For telling your parents to chill when you’re acting funny
Whether you’re going through a break up or some other tragic event in your life, your big sister is always there to calm your parents down when they’re freaking out because their daughter is broken. Your big sister knows you’ll be okay; she’s already been there. She’ll keep your parents off your back and give you the space to heal when you need it.
7. For being completely understanding when you're hurt
She'll take you to get sushi or ice cream and just let you talk about whatever problems you need to talk about. No matter what, she understands you and knows how to help you when you're hurt. She's not only your shoulder to cry on, but also your rock that holds you steady through the storm.
8. For always having your back and keeping all your secrets
You can't tell friends secrets; eventually everyone else will know. But your big sister knows your deepest, darkest secrets and would never tell anyone. If any secrets or bad things get out, your big sister will have your back.
9. For the times she saw you being a weirdo and joined right in with you
This one’s pretty self-explanatory. Sisters just have their weird moments together, and if you have one, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.
10. For literally teaching you how to live
She’s taught you about love, relationships, friendship, your parents, jobs: The list goes on and on. Your big sister is your mentor, she’s helped mold you into the woman you are today, and if that woman is anything like your big sister, then I’d say you’re pretty darn great.
11. For being your best friend
Your sister is there no matter what; not because she has to be, but because she wants to be. You may barely see each other, or not call each other for a while, but you two can catch up in a matter of seconds. You may have separate lives and have a lot going on, but your big sister is always your best friend.
So to all the big sisters out there, especially mine, thank you for being my best friend. Us little sisters wouldn’t survive without you, and we may not always say it, but we love you and appreciate you more than we could ever explain.
