I was five when my parents gave me my first minion. Three years later, I was blessed with another. Growing up with two little brothers has never once made me feel deprived of having a sister.

We have a truly special bond between the three of us that I am so privileged to experience. My brothers tease me, make me laugh, drive me bonkers, inspire me and exhaust me all at the same time. But without them, life would be incredibly dull.

There's so much more to sibling relationships than tattling and having a bad attitude. Believe it or not, little brothers have a lot to offer:

1. They make the best roadside companions

It doesn't matter what time of the day it is. If you need to get in the car and go, you can expect to hear, "I'm coming with you!" the second you pick up your keys. Plus, what better person to be in control of the aux cord than someone who inherited his taste in music from you?

2. They give you noteworthy relationship advice, even if it's unsolicited

You've heard of brotherly love, right? In times of heartache, they know all the right things to say, even if it comes out in a messy stream of word vomit. That soft spot you know they've had all along actually surprises you when they decide to show it.

3. They have your back

No one is allowed to tease, torment, annoy, manipulate, or irritate the hell out of you unless a handwritten request is signed and approved by your brothers first. But don't be fooled, even when they're in on flowering you with insults and testing your last nerve, they'll always have your back.

4. They will tell you the honest to God truth whether you like it or not

Boys don't care enough to sugarcoat anything they aren't ingesting. They love you enough to be blunt because they know you deserve the truth. If anyone's going to tell you that you're being over-dramatic or that you need to get your life together, it's them.

5. They will always be your sidekicks

Whether you're up for a little mischief or just need someone to loaf around with, they jump at the opportunity to stand by you. They're not afraid to get their hands dirty or spend quality time with you. Chances are, they're the masterminds behind your plans.

6. They will save you from all things that buzz, fly, sting, bite and have too many legs

Who needs to spend money on Raid when your brothers have the might of a warrior and big shoes?

7. They make you proud

Just like they had the chance to watch you grow and learn from your mistakes, you get a front row seat to watch them mature into young men. No matter what, they'll always be your little brothers, but they are more than just your minions...

...they are your superheroes.