Dear Little Brother,
For the longest time, I never understood you. It was impossible to agree with anything you said and I couldn’t come to terms the age and gender difference, which means I couldn’t come to terms as to why you didn’t get me either.
It seems like just the other day, I was sitting in the kitchen with you arguing over who got to pick what we watched while we ate our dinner. In reality the interaction you and I had the other day was much different.
We talked, we related on several things, and I felt like the advice I was offering you was something you truly valued. It was the best feeling in the world. Not to mention, it was a feeling that I never thought I would appreciate.
I never imagined us getting along and communicating on positive terms. It’s almost funny thinking of how small the things we used to pull each other’s hair out over were in comparison to the things we relate to and agree on now are.
You have grown up so much and I can’t even begin to tell you how proud I am to be your big sister. In less than two years, you’ll be headed off to college and I am not going to lie, I am scared to let you go just as I feel we are getting closer.
But I find peace in knowing that I can offer you words of wisdom to carry with you and to keep close your heart on the off chance you begin to miss me. And I will have the pleasure of watching you continue to grow into who are going to be and knowing I helped with that even just a little bit to keep you close to my heart. That being said, let me tell you somethings to begin keeping in mind now.
It is always better to be kind than mean, even when you’re angry. You will never regret being nice, but you will always run the risk of regretting being mean to someone. Not to mention girls really do like the nice guy.
It’s the sense of humor and a humble confidence that will attract the right girl. And the right girl won’t ever break your heart because she will see your worth and never want to lose that. It’s OK and equally as manly to be sad about it too. You can always come crying to me and I won’t tell anyone.
Yes, your heart will get broken, but you are going to break a girl’s heart a time or two as well. Remember to refer to my first piece of advice about being kind during this time. She is going to be hurt and sad to have lost the relationship with you, but if you treat her with respect you will always maintain a good reputation and keep her from carrying the hurt into her next relationship.
On another note, no opportunity to make a memory is worth missing. Don’t you ever miss out, unless of course the outcome of making that memory could ruin your future.
And whatever you do, don’t grow up too fast. You can mature and become more adult, but don’t ever stop having fun because you think you are ‘too old’ for it. Take your time and enjoy the experiences in front of you, grow from the mistakes you will make and never stop wanting to be better than you are today (which is pretty freaking great.)
Lastly, never stop being cooler than me. That is one type of jealously I am willing to live with for the rest of my life.
With all of the love in the world,
Your Annoying Older Sister
