Some of us are “lucky” enough to be the older siblings, but a lot of people don’t realize what goes into being the “responsible” sibling--the older sibling. So, here is a list I have compiled to assist in the comprehension of being an older sibling. Good luck, may the odds be ever in your favor.

1. You get the harsh rules.

Mom and dad use you as their guinea pig to come up with the rules, which sometimes works in your favor, while other times it lands you grounded for weeks for being out past an eight o’clock curfew.

2. You are left “in charge."

This can be a blessing and a curse, but, most of the time, a curse. Which movies to watch are NOT up to you, and dinner isn’t supposed to be your favorite. Nine times out of ten it lands you on the phone with mom or dad (or both) with one of you crying and the other one homicidal.

3. You are blamed for anything destructive.

Broken vase? You are older, take responsibility. Tears? Oh hell, you are done. Sister says you hit her, you did, even if you are the one with a bruise.

4. You often contemplate murder.

Only jokingly, but it is true. You wonder how you could hide the body without getting caught; not by the cops by mom and her “mom senses.”

5. You get to watch them get away with something you would never have.

Remember that time in fifth grade when Bobby pulled your hair and you kicked him? Remember how mad mom was when she got that call? Remember the weeks that followed in your bland room without TV, toys, or anything resembling fun. Well, she just got praised for standing up for herself. Defending herself. Ahhh, siblinghood.

6. You are forced to play with them.

Mom and dad told you to suffer for an hour and play whatever your sibling wanted, because “You are older, you need to play with your sister/brother.” Gosh, I hated that sentence.

7. Your friends become their friends.

We try, diligently, to protect our friends from the horrors of our siblings, but somehow there is always one friend that manages to be caught up in the fly trap of our siblings and is roped by their hairy fingers. Little stealers.

Although siblinghood isn’t nice or pretty, it is worth it. Watching them at cheer or football after you helped them study for hours after school is rewarding. Hearing about their day is nice sometimes. But what is even better is when you don’t live with them and they call you, missing you. When they beg for a minute of your time so they can tell you how much they love you and wish you were home. How much mom and dad are making them angry and how they wish they could skip school. They begin to understand you a little better, but they still beg for your support and time. They appreciate you. So, to all the siblings out there, cherish it. It is something you won’t regret.