I can't say that my big sister and I always got along, or that we always get along now. I was the annoying little sister who wanted to be just like her, and she was the big sister who never seemed to let me win. The older we have gotten, the more mature we have become and I am finally able to realize that having a big sister rocks. She's someone who will always be a friend, always be there for you to tease, and always have your back. Having a big sister is great.

1. She's the only one who understands our parents like me.

There are few people in this world I can call and say, "Mom. Christmas trees," and they will know exactly what I am talking about. In fact, there is only one: my big sister. She is the only person who understands every quirk of our parents as well as I do. She is the only person I can call to talk about one of them who will sincerely understand. Who else can I talk to about the absurd stories that follows our parents? She gets it and thus she gets me in a way that no one else ever will. Only she has experienced both of my parents and only she can understand. It's pretty cool to think that there is only one person out there who really gets this like I do.

2. I always have a second closet.

I steal her clothes. Plain and simple. I will go to her house and walk out with four shirts under my jacket. She and I were raised by the same people, we grew up around the same style and while our fashion senses have gone in slightly different directions, at the end of the day we can always find something in each other's closets. Growing up, it was like I had two closets, much to her disapproval. It's was nice knowing I could always go there and convince her to let me wear that black sweater just one more time.

3. We dislike the same people.

It's not as bad as it sounds, I swear. We are on each other's side. When I have a problem with someone she stands up for me and vice versa. I will tell her about the people trying to bring me down and it infuriates her just as much as me. She is on my side at the end of the day. Even if it's just some random celebrity, we almost always have similar opinions.

4. I have my own guardian.

As my big sister, she has always taken a role as my protector, even if I didn't always agree with her. She tried her hardest to be the best role model for me growing up and tried her hardest to protect me from the world. She viewed that as her job. Her job was to be a woman I could look up to. Her job was to keep me safe. She made sure I grew up and understood my worth. She made it clear that no one was allowed to tease me, except her of course. It was a great burden to bear but she took it on and for that I am a lucky one. How could having a sister like that not rock?

5. She did it first.

Growing up, anything I did she almost always had already done. I didn't realize how much that would help me. From classes in school to dating the wrong boy to sneaking cookies up to our bedrooms. She had always already done it. When I talked back to my mother, she could handle it better because she dealt with it from my older sister, when I needed help in my media classes my sister could help because she had already been there. Having someone pave the way was such a great blessing. I was able to follow her steps while still creating a few paths of my own along the way.

6. I have a best friend for life.

While we may not always act like it, it's true. I have a built in best friend for the rest of my life. When push comes to shove I know she will always be there for me. I have my maid of honor for my someday wedding; I know who to call with all my big information; I know who will always be there. Growing up I learned that people who are your best friends one year can easily be strangers the next, but I was lucky because I had one best friend whom I knew wasn't going anywhere. I know with my whole heart she will be beside me on my wedding day and still so when we are sitting in rocking chairs 40 plus years from now.

Having a big sister has been one of the best fortunes of my life. I have someone to pave the way for me. She lets me grow and be the woman I am meant to be, and helps me along the way. She has always been there for me and I know that she will always be. Having a big sister is having a partner in crime for life. I'm so lucky with the partner I was given.