With a seven-year age difference, my insanely hectic high school years, and five years of living apart due to college, becoming besties wasn't an instant occurrence for us. Regardless, I wouldn't trade the dynamic we share as big and little sister for anything.

In the last couple of years, especially, I've watched you undergo a myriad of internal and external changes that continue to impress me.

You may be my junior in years, but that doesn't keep people from asking if you're the older sister when we're out. You can stop getting a big head about it though because I'm convinced it has nothing to do with my "baby face" and everything to do with the fact that you have a good four inches on me and could give the Kardashians a run for their money when it comes to contouring.

Speaking of your strengths. You should know that you're the funny one, the artsy one, and possibly the superior dancer, but never remind me that I said that. You're also absolutely gorg, and I will forever envy your olive skin and insane hair (two reasons on a long list that proves I'm actually adopted).

I'm proud of you. I think you know that, but have I ever mentioned the ways you inspire me?

You are outspoken and fiercely loyal. You speak up in situations that, at your age (and sometimes even now), I would choose to stay silent. You're not afraid to state your unpopular opinion, and I think this stems from the fact that you don't share my intense need to people please. You learned long before I did that it's impossible to make everyone happy, and, therefore, pointless to bend over backward trying.

However, this doesn't mean you lack compassion. Even if it's not always immediately evident, I know you already have compassion for people and the ability to empathize. I see it in the way you care for and seek to understand others, specifically relating to me and anytime you see me struggling.

You're driven and goal-oriented. You're naturally outgoing, have access to a neverending stream of pop-culture references, and have the wittiest humor that you're always ready to roast me with.

I have no doubt you will exceed in whatever you choose to do with your life, and I'm legitimately excited to watch and continue cheering you on.

Simply put — you're pretty cool.

And, in what seems like a brief period of time, you've gone from just being my little sister to being my sister and also a best friend.

There's no one I'd rather interrogate about their personal life, eat too much and then complain about it with, or steal makeup and clothes from. (Thanks for the amazing selection.)

I love you lots.