It's great to having a sibling who you are close to in age, especially if you get along. And if you don't now, you probably will later on; those relationships take time to build. Being away at school means reflecting on family, and in doing so I've put a little thought into what I've noticed from having a baby bro who is just a little younger.

1. There was a time, and maybe you're still in that time, when people couldn't tell you apart on the phone.

My brother's voice has since deepened, but there was a significant portion of our lives where people were always mistaking one of us for the other one over the phone. It wasn't a nuisance per se, but it did make telephone calls especially long to get that information out of the way.

2. Your parents share memories from when you kids were younger, but they're not exactly sure whose childhood they're from.

Every now and then a story comes up in my house from years ago, and none of us is really sure which one of us did or said the thing being recalled. We end up just appreciating that it happened and moving on.

3. At one point you guys wore similar—if not matching—outfits.

Honestly, kids with matching outfits are adorable. My brother and I used to love to match our outfits when we were first dressing ourselves. However, some of those outfits are better than others. The matching froggy pajamas? Questionable.

4. There are some photos with which you have to do a double-take to see if it's even you.

My brother and I looked very similar at one point in our lives. I usually had some form of a short haircut at the time also, which didn't help the case. If it comes down to it, asking a family member is always a viable option.

5. You know a lot of the same people.

Having a sibling close in age to you usually means you know some of the same people, especially if you went to the same school. Asking them about their thoughts on somebody or laughing with them about a story involving someone you both know is a great bonding experience.