I still remember when my parents told me I was going to have a baby sister. I was ecstatic...until she actually arrived. Then I think my exact words were, "Can we take her back now?" Since then, even though the younger me would hate to admit it, I have grown to appreciate what it's like to have a sister. Part of this appreciation, if not all of it, likely stems from the benefits of having a sister.

1. Someone who will share their clothes with you and well, everything else.

I can always count on my sister's closet to pull through when I need it most. Whether I need a T-shirt, jeans or a pair of sandals, I'm never in short supply when I have two wardrobes to choose from. Not to mention, sisters will share practically anything with you as long as you ask first. If you need it, more than likely, she has it.

2. An honest opinion.

No matter how bad you look in something, you can be confident that your sister will be the first to tell you. She's never going to let you walk out of the house in something that she doesn't approve of. Also, when it comes to love advice, or really any advice, she will always have you covered while making sure your best interests are at heart.

3. Someone to hang out with when you have nothing else to do.

Sisters are always there to just hang out and do whatever, whenever. Chances are if your friends are busy, your sister isn't. Even if she has something better to do, she more than likely will push it aside to make your life less boring and hers, too.

4. Someone who understands your parents and their weird ways.

Yes, all families have those weird quirks that others just don't understand. But sisters help in alleviating the embarrassment or confusion by understanding exactly why your family is the way it is. They already know that adjusting the thermostat gets on your mom's nerves or that you don't talk to Dad when he's watching golf. Knowing these things make it easier to go to her when drama arises. She gets it. She has to deal with the weirdness, too.

5. A friend who will be there through it all.

Over the years, I have seen many friendships come and go from my life, but my sister has always been there. Even though we haven't always been so close, she was there when I needed her and when I didn't. From here on out, life is going to get much more complicated for both of us as we get older and have to face more than we ever thought we would... But we will do it together—as friends and as sisters.