Growing up in a large family can definitely teach you an abundance of lessons. Growing up in a family with cousins that consist of wide age gaps WILL definitely teach you all of the lessons you ought to keep close to the heart. As I've grown older, I've begun to realize more and more how special cousins really are, and how much you can actually learn from them. Whether it is heart-to-heart conversations or family dinners that consist of nothing but continuous laughter, you'll learn a few things along the way.
1. Appreciate Your Family
On both sides of my family, my cousins have explicitly shown our elder relatives, especially our grandmothers, how much they appreciate them. It can be through small tasks, such as calling family members here and there just to say "hi," or coming together when those are in need. Either way, showing that you value and appreciate someone brings you a long ways and memories that last even longer.
2. It's Okay To Mess Up
Let's face it, we're all going to mess up somewhere along the road. No one is perfect, and mistakes are going to happen. The best part about messing up is being able to laugh about it with your cousins, knowing that you've all been in the same spot at some point in time.
3. But Learn From Those "Mess Ups"
Yes, we are all going to mess up, big or small, multiple times in life. It is vital to be able to learn from those mistakes and not repeat them, unless you want to, of course. Whenever my cousins share stories about doing something wrong, they always reflect on the lesson they've learned from it.
4. You Can Have More In Common With Someone Than You Think
Get to know that person who comes off as really interesting to you, even if you believe you have nothing in common with them; you'll be surprised how much you can talk about with them. To be honest, I haven't really put in effort in trying to get to know a few of my cousins until this year, because I never really thought the conversation could go anywhere. I was amazed at how much we were able discuss. Whether it is politics, school, or stories, you definitely have common ground with someone. Give it a try!
5. Age Doesn't Matter
I have cousins who are decades older than me, and they are some of the cousins who I communicate with the most. Yes, it is awesome having cousins who are close in age with you, but it is just as awesome having much older cousins than you. You can learn so much from them, and realize that you can talk to them just about everything. It IS possible to have inside jokes with that cousin who is twenty years older than you. They are as much as a kid at heart as you are.
6. They'll Always Be There For You
In most circumstances, family members will be there for you, but cousins can be there for you in a different way. If it's something you don't feel comfortable telling your parents about or don't want to share with your siblings, your cousins will always be there with an open ear.
7. Reminisce On Childhood Stories Anytime You Can
I have two cousins who are constantly telling stories about their childhood at any second they possibly can. It makes others laugh till they cry, and makes you remember how wonderful of a childhood you really had, or even some of the stuff you overcame. Your childhood shaped you into the person you are today.
8. Your Family Loves You No Matter What
Whatever life throws at you, your family will always be your biggest support system. If you've gone MIA on them for months or you're constantly nagging them for whatever reason, they'll love you regardless. They are your blood, after all.
