The first week I was home from college almost none of my high school friends were back in town yet. Luckily, my sixteen-year-old, not-so-little brother was there to keep me company. My brother and I have not always been as close as we are now. There was a time when we basically despised each other. About halfway through my high school years, though, something completely unpredictable happened: My brother and I became really good friends. I think it was because we were both finally old enough to get each other's sense of humor and not make each other want to pull our own hair out.
I was actually really sad when I left for college because I knew that I would not get to hang out with him as much. However, I am happy to say that even though we might not speak as much while I am away at school, when I come back home it is like I never left. Don't get me wrong, I still have tons of fun with my college and high school BFFs, but there is just something different about having a friend within the family, and here is why.
1. He Has to Love You
A wise person once said, “Ohana means family and family means no one gets left behind." That statement totally applies to your friendship with your brother. With him, you never have to worry about how weird or goofy you are because at the end of the day you two are always going to be family. In other words, there is no escaping one another. Also, that means if you two ever get into a fight you know that eventually you are going to have to find a way to work it out (otherwise holiday dinners would quickly become super awkward).
2. You Have a Buddy For Every Family Vacation
Sometimes my parents would treat my brother and me by letting us bring a friend along on vacation (which was awesome), but usually bringing an extra person is just too expensive. When your brother is one of your best friends, though, you have someone to hang out with on all of your vacations. Luckily, family members get an automatic invite.
3. He Will Give It to You Straight
Because he has known you forever and he is your family, your brother is not afraid to give you his honest opinion. Doesn't everyone need a little constructive criticism and real advice every now and then?
4. He Understands Your Family Drama
If anyone can sympathize with you about your crazy relatives it is the guy who has experienced it all first hand. When you vent about your family to your other friends there is always the possibility that they will think you are being unreasonable or acting ungrateful, but with your brother you know he will understand. Also, if your family starts attacking you with questions about school or relationships, you know he will come to your defense.
5. You Get to Express Your Inner Tomboy
Hanging out with your brother means doing activities you might not do with your girl friends. When I spend time with my bro, we do everything from playing basketball to playing video games to just chilling outdoors.
