“What are you going to do when a person comes up behind you? How will you defend yourself? Tighten your fist and punch with your two first knuckles.”
I can hear that speech repeatedly in my head- that preparation to defend myself from anyone, from anything. For the past eighteen years, I grew up with three protective, yet sensitive older brothers that will do nothing but make me unstoppable. Being the “baby sister” requires not only attentiveness, but also mental toughness.
These are just a few key benefits of being the “baby sister,” or the “princess.”
1. They taught you how to be tough- physically and mentally.
Since I could remember, my brothers taught me the basics of winning a fight. They looked after me, assuring that I was tough and held the ability to be victorious in a battle (if needed). However, they stressed to never be “the first swing.”
In addition to being physically strong, they emphasized the importance of mental toughness. I cannot thank them enough for that. Mental toughness was critical in sports, academics, almost any activity that required confidence.
2. They were always there to give you advice.
Regardless of the situation- whether it dealt with a relationship, with parents, with sports, with school, my brothers always served as people to lean on. They never judged my mistakes or decisions, instead, they provided me with advice that made me into the confident, young girl that I am today.
3. They made you feel like a princess.
I cannot forget this benefit. Since I was born, I was constantly viewed as the “princess.” This perk involved getting almost anything I wished. My brothers made sure that I had an unforgettable childhood, one that was almost as fun as theirs. They wanted to be the reason I had a smile on my face, they wanted me to be the coolest in school, they wanted me to be unlike any other- and I can tell you, they sure have made me feel like a princess.
4. They informed you about how to deal with boys.
Of course, every teenage girl experiences her first crush, but those with older brothers have somewhat of an advantage. They guided me through making smart decisions about guys- how to read them, how to discover what they are really after.
“No guy is worth it.” I remember each of my brothers saying this to me all the time, attempting to make me smirk when my eyes flooded in tears.
5. They are your lifelong best friends.
Brothers are not temporary. These people are a part of your life forever. Why fight with them when they can act as your guiders?
My brothers will be my best friends until we walk with canes and shed gray hair. Despite their tendencies to make me want to scream due to their annoyance or ignorance, I will never forget those daily lessons on how to make me into a stronger person. Without having three older brothers, I would not be able to defend myself easily, relay such thoughtful advice to others, or even move on quickly. Thank you to the three men that support me through every decision that I have made, thank you for consuming the role as my friends, my motivators, my protectors.
