Being a "big sister" probably has different meanings for everyone who plays that role, but there are many similarities that all of us can probably attest to. As big sister of three wonderful (yet sometimes, well a little less wonderful) boys, I think I have seen it all. Well, I used to think that, but lately, they have been surprising me nearly everyday. My brothers range from ages seven to 14 and through diapers, terrible twos, starting preschool, entering the "middle school" stages and being sent off to high school, it sure it s a roller-coaster of a ride being there to experience it all again through their worlds. As much as they are a pain in the butt sometimes, and make me want to pull my hair out, I wouldn't change it for the world.
1. Nothing is gross anymore.
From vomit to farts to pee on the toilet seat and everything in between—nothing is as sanitary as you'd like it to be. So when that new guy you're on a date with burps after dinner, it doesn't phase you, even though maybe it should.
2. When your little siblings are happy, you are happy.
People always say "happy wife, happy life" but before that stage in you life, keeping your siblings happy and on the same page as you will guarantee you are in for a better time as well. One crabby sibling really affects the whole bunch—and not in a good way.
3. Their sporting events are often more exciting than any pro game.
The feeling when your brother gets a home run, or snipes the winning goal to take the hockey team to the championship, or even wars the bench better than you've ever seen it done, can never be topped. It's such a proud moment watching someone you are related to excel at something they are passionate about. Sorry Wild, I love you, but my brothers will always take the cake.
4. People will sometimes mistake you for their mother, and sometimes you will too.
I don't think this one needs much explanation. If the age gap is close enough, it is bound to happen. And if you live with them, at times, you are bound to feel like it.
5. Even though you love each other, it isn't always cool to say it out loud.
At a certain age, showing affection and saying those three little words becomes less cute and apparently more annoying and embarrassing (as I am reminded whenever I try). But at the end of the day, you all know you have each others backs.
6. You learn at an early age how to care about somebody just as much as you care about yourself.
I am not going to lie and tell you I loved my brothers right from the start, because I did not. But once you get over the whole lack of attention and "new baby" fuss, they become someone you care about just as much as you care about you. And that is a pretty cool relationship to have with someone for a lifetime.
7. You know a lot of things that usually "only boys know".
From nut cups to pant sizes and types of aftershave to any sporting term, when you have brothers you kind of become one of the guys.
8. You wish your parents had been half as easy on you are they are on your siblings.
Let's face it—you paved the road for them. You are the reason they have it so easy. If you wear your parents down enough when you are growing up, your siblings are bound to have it easier than you did.
9. What's yours is not always yours. It is usually theirs.
Ice cream in the fridge you were saving for later? Gone. Your favorite sweatshirt hanging in the closet? Fat chance finding it. Your toothpaste? Used. Cell phone cord? Good luck finding it!
10. Bathroom time is sacred, use your time wisely.
Especially when there are four, like in my family, you take what you can get. Unless you have a bathroom for every child in your family, this is probably a struggle you face. So brushing your teeth in the hallway or blow drying your hair in the kitchen is not all that unheard of.
11. "Privacy" and "boundaries" are not common vocabulary words in your relationships.
You know everything that is going on in their lives, whether or not you want to. And because you live together, they know all about yours. From best friend drama, to boyfriends or girlfriends, to grades in math class, there are no secrets.
12. You have built in best friends (for better or for worse).
As mad as you get at each other, or as much as you fight or wish you were an only child, you never mean it. Because you overcome the fights, you mend the fights, and you have someone, or in my case, three someones that will be in your corner for the rest of your life, and you will be in theirs. Sometimes siblings are the best things your parents can do for you.
