Because we’re both college students at different schools, my little sister and I have spent a lot of time apart in the past year. Of course, we always see each other when we come home, and make time to visit each other at one another’s schools, but it’s never quite the same as when we were both in high school and spent every living second of the day together, from morning car-rides (with Dunkin’ runs, of course), to sports practices.
So basically, when we reunite, it’s always a party. Texting and FaceTime dates never do it justice. But, being apart makes you really realize why your little sister is actually your truest, most genuine best friend, and there are a lot of reasons why.
1. No one gets your family like she does.
Friends are great and we need them, but they never quite understand your family the way your sister does. She totally knows that the way your dad gives you a laundry list of chores when you get home will drive you crazy, or that your whiny brother never stops complaining. She’s not just your friend, she’s your companion in the world of crazy relatives who you see once a year and just “can’t wait to give you a kiss!”
2. Snack runs are always a yes—no matter what time of day.
Pizza? Buffalo chicken slice. Starbucks? Iced caramel macchiato. Obviously, she knows your order, and obviously, she’s hungry too. Even when you decide that it’s time for four tacos at Taco Bell, she isn’t judging you at all.
3. Going out with her makes you realize that she’s the best (and worst) influence ever.
Going out with your sister is one of the best things ever. There’s no other way to say it. When you’re both finally old enough to drink, she can’t wait to come and meet all of your friends, and you can’t wait to introduce her. Plus, who else will convince you to slap the bag (again), or ask that cute frat guy for his number? No one. She knows your limits, but makes every single night out way better than you could have imagined (even if you have to play mom a little bit sometimes).
4. She gets that you’re weird and she’s okay with it—because she’s weird too.
You send each other links to pictures of cute dogs several times per day—it’s fine. It’s also fine that every time the song “Mr. Brightside” comes on in the car you belt it out like you’re giving a private concert. You might have a weird secret handshake, or hug so intensely that you literally pick one another up in public. We don’t even need to talk about it.
5. She has your back always—no matter what.
Whether it’s a fight with your best friend, or the boyfriend of the month just dumped you, she’s there, probably with some tissues, snack food galore, and your favorite box set of sappy DVDs—or in my case, probably DVR’ed Grey’s Anatomy episodes. Or when you’re too depressed and won’t get out of bed, she’ll drag you out to hang out with friends.
6. Even though she’s your little sister, she’s one of the greatest inspirations and role models you could ask for.
She wants to help you kick start your new diet with all of her healthy tricks, and she wants to help you train for that 5k. Whether you know it or not, you’ve always been there, and she always, in some way, has had to look up to you. Basically, she makes you want to be a better you, so that you’re a better big sister to her.
So, here’s to you, BFF. Yeah, I didn’t really get to choose you, but if I did, I’d pick you over and over again, no questions asked. As my favorite movie character from “Sleepless in Seattle” would say, we were MFEO (made for each other, DUH).
