Growing up with older brothers can be a little tough sometimes, but in the end the pros completely outweigh the cons. When I was younger I would always focus on the negatives about it, like how annoying they are, but as I have gotten older I have realized that I would never change anything about it. I love both of my brothers with all my heart, and would do absolutely anything for them.

Here are 4 things I have learned from growing up with older brothers:

1. They will teach you how to be tough.

For as long as I can remember I always saw my brothers fighting and wrestling. That is a natural "boy" thing to do. Starting at a very young age, they brought me right into those fights and those wrestling matches. My mom would always yell "Be careful with her!" and the response was constantly, "Mom we are making her tough." It took me a broken arm to learn that I better toughen up quick, or I was going to keep getting hurt.

2. They are always there for you.

My brothers have been my rock through it all. I would not be where I am today if it was not for them. Anytime anything goes wrong they are the first person I call. They always know the right things to say at just the right times. Sometimes they can be a little brutally honest, but it is always in times that I need that brutal honestly.

3. They are overprotective.

Overprotective is an understatement.

Anything I did, they were right there making sure I was okay or I was being smart. And when it came to guys and dating, that was a complete no go. The first time I went to a dance with a guy both of my brothers played 20 questions. "Who is he?" "How old is he?" "Where is he going in life?" I have had them all. Once all those questions were answered, it was always followed by "Make sure they know I can kill them." Of course, they were not being serious, but it is the thought that counts.

4. They are like your second parents, but cooler.

Especially since they are both so much older than me, they have played a major role is raising me. They were always there for any milestones I had, or any trouble I got in. If I was making a dumb decision they would make sure to tell me. If I wasn't doing too well in a class, they would get on to me about my grades. They were more lenient than my actual parents, but they always had that higher figure role in my life.

In the end, they are annoying and drive me up the wall, but they are also my best friends. I know they will be there for me no matter the situation. I can count on them to tell me when I am messing up and to praise me when I am doing good. They have been some of my biggest supporters and I would not trade them for the world.