As much as we love to complain about our siblings, they'll always be the best friends we never asked for. My brother is three years older than me and never wastes an opportunity to remind me of it. Older siblings are particularly special; they act not only as our friends, but also as our role models and mentors. When my brother joined the Math Club in elementary school, I also joined the Math Club in elementary school. I worked at the same restaurant when I began high school that he worked at when he was in high school, and I never thought twice about rap or electronic music until he introduced the genres to me. Are you noticing a pattern? From our habits and interests to some of life's most important lessons, we learn a lot more from our older siblings than we'd like to admit. Perhaps you can relate to these nine lessons that I have learned from my older brother:
1. The amount of food a boy can eat in one sitting is alarming.
I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve watched in awe as my brother has eaten two breakfasts, two lunches, and two dinners in one day while complaining that he was still hungry. It’s unnatural, and it’s unfair.
2. Your family will always support you…
Siblings don’t always see eye to eye; sometimes we disagree, and we aren’t always eager to “forgive and forget.” Nevertheless, my brother has stood by me when I have needed his support most, regardless of whether or not he agreed with my decisions. I can always count on him to answer his phone when I call, and his words of advice always seem to carry more meaning than anyone else's.
3. …And be honest with you.
Don’t ask your brother if a dress makes you look fat unless you are prepared for the truth.
4. You can do well in school and have a social life, too.
Work hard, play hard, am I right? No one said it would be easy, but it definitely isn’t impossible. As a matter of fact, it’s actually cool to be smart. It's also cool to be humble; keep that in mind.
5. Laughter is the best medicine.
My brother discovered at a young age that he could get away with almost anything, as long as he was able to make me laugh before I had the chance to tell on him. From cheating in Monopoly to stealing my last piece of candy, he knew that by turning my tears into laughter, I would forget what I was even upset about in the first place. Call it what you will (taking advantage of his gullible younger sister, perhaps?), but the ability to find humor in any situation is invaluable.
6. Your brother is the only boy who is allowed to give you a hard time.
No exceptions. Your brother can tease you as much as he wants, but as soon as anyone else does, he'll be the first person to defend you.
7. Any article of clothing two sizes too big is more comfortable than anything you already own.
Yes, I regularly steal my brother's T-shirts, sweatshirts, and sweatpants. There's just something about wearing an over-sized T-shirt that is inherently satisfying.
8. Be open to new ideas and adventures.
If anyone understands the power of being open-minded, it's my brother. The young boy who once swore he'd be a chef and live in our hometown forever is now an engineer living more than 1,000 miles away from his family. Whether you’re taking a class on a subject you know nothing about or going to the concert of a musician you’ve never heard of, be open-minded and willing to challenge your own perspectives. After all, what's the worst that could happen?
