When Mom and Dad told me I was getting a little brother, I couldn't be more excited. I was going to finally have a partner in crime and, even better, one I didn't have to share my clothes with. Little brother, you're not so little anymore, but at twelve years old there's still a lot left to learn. And I'm always here to give you my share of big sister wisdom.
1. I'm here.
We may fight from time to time, but ultimately I am your big sister. I didn’t sign up for the job, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. As your sister, I promise to be there for you whenever you need me. I’ve navigated through childhood, teenage-hood, and though I’ve yet to conquer adulthood, I have my share of wisdom. I’m always willing to share it or just to lend a listening ear.
2. Learn from my mistakes.
I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life -- I’m only human. My wish for you is that you use my mistakes as an example, not to follow, but to learn from. Take the lessons you watched me learn and do better than I have.
3. Don't rush to grow up.
You’re only young once. After that, you have the rest of your life to be a grown up. Don’t rush it. Enjoy not paying bills or worrying about meeting deadlines. Enjoy watching cartoons on Saturday mornings and playing video games with your friends after school. All of that adult stuff can wait, I promise.
4. Don't lose your humor.
Life is hard and tough experiences can weigh on you. That’s okay. But never let hard times take away your positive outlook on life. Look trouble in the eye and crack a joke, I know you’re full of them. And don’t forget that laughter is often the best medicine when you’re feeling down. Laugh it off.
5. Work hard.
You can do anything you set your mind to as long as you work for it. There are no freebies in life!
6. Play hard.
But on that note, having fun is just as important as working hard. Don’t forget to save some time to do what you love.
7. Don't pay attention to popularity.
The number of friends you have does not equate to the quality of friends you have. Being popular may seem important in middle and high school, but I can promise you that, in college, it’s not. Focus your attention on finding a few true friends, not a bunch of fake ones.
8. Don't change yourself for anyone.
On that note, don’t change who you are for anyone. I’ve watched you grow into the awesome kid I know and love and that is exactly who you should remain as. If you like reptiles but your friends don’t think that’s cool? So what. If you’re not on the football team? So what. Always be true to yourself and I promise you will be happier.
9. Take care of yourself.
Put good in, get good out. You know the basics -- eat well, exercise, etc. But even more than that, give yourself time to relax. Balancing school, friends and a sport can be tiring, so make sure you allow yourself some time to just slow down and do what’s best for you.
10. Be nice to Mom and Dad.
You’re getting to the age where you might feel that mom and dad are annoying, overbearing, etc. Listen up -- they’re not. Mom and Dad were there for me through every heartbreak, difficult teacher, college decision, and more. They have gone to bat for me more times than I can even count. They are our number one fans and we owe them so much for that. So don’t become one of those kids who never talks to his parents. Involve them in your life, be kind to them even when they seem unfair, and remember that they love you more than anything.
11. Be the same man you want for me.
You’ve seen me both in love and heartbroken. You’ve seen just how badly relationships can hurt and through my past and current relationships, you’ve seen the basic qualities of a good or bad boyfriend. You always want the best for me and now that I've found someone who really is the best, I can only hope that you will be that same person for a lucky girl in the future. Forget what the movies say, nice guys always win.
12. Friends come and go.
I’ve gained and lost countless friends over the years. One day you might look back and realize that someone who was your best friend is more like a stranger now. That’s okay. The true friendships will stay.
13. School is important.
Don't slack off. When you're looking to apply to your dream college, you will never regret having the grades to get in.
14. You are loved.
Mom, Dad and I are your biggest fans and that will never change.
15. You are my best friend.
Thanks for keeping me laughing, being a weirdo (in a good way), and always making me smile. You're the best little brother a girl could ask for and I don't know what I would do without you.
