Growing up with siblings is both a blessing and a curse. It's a constant play date as well as a constant fight. They can get on your nerves like no other, but, at the end of the day, they are your family and you love them. Growing up with only older brothers seemed like the worst possible thing to me for most of my life. Up until recently, I thought my brothers were out to get me. Now, nineteen years later, I know that my brothers are my best friends and no other person could take their place. Here are some reasons why:
1. They tell it like it is.
... sometimes a little too harshly. Brothers do not hold back when giving you their opinion on what you're wearing, who you're hanging out with and the latest boy you're drooling over. They are always honest, not because they are trying to be mean, but because they care. When you screw something up, they will let you know. When you kick some ass... they let you know that too.
2. They push you to do your best.
ESPECIALLY in sports. They're the loudest voice at your soccer game and they're the first to criticize your playing. They know exactly what to say to push your buttons and make you want to do better. They are willing to take the time to practice with you and teach you. They want their little sister to be the stud they know she is.
3. They're always down to grub out with you.
Whether it's 12 am or the middle of the day, brothers are always willing to hop in the car and make some power moves to WaWa or Taco Bell.... as long as you're paying. It doesn't matter your reasons for wanting to eat mass amounts of food. It could be boy problems, girl issues or drunken munchies, they're always by your side ready to fight for the last hot wing.
4. They serve as a permanent movie buddy.
When all the kids are home from college and there is nothing to do in your boring house, all you have to do is throw up a text in the family group chat to watch a movie. Usually, the movie is their choice, but every once in a while they hand you the remote and let you choose your favorite RomCom. Watching a scary movie? They scream louder than you. Hilarious comedy? You're never laughing alone.
5. They know when something is wrong.
Nothing even needs to be said. Older brothers know when you're upset. There is no point in even trying to hide it because they will find out. And when they find out, they try their best to fix it. They really will beat that stupid boy up if he hurts you. They'll hug you and tell you everything is alright and then somehow you just know they're right.
6. They share clothes.. probably more than sisters.
I can not stress how many times I have walked out of my room to see one of my brothers in one of my sports tees. They claim it as theirs and then cut off the sleeves to make one of those stupid lifting shirts. The nice thing about that is, I can walk right into the laundry room, find a comfy sweatshirt, and never give it back.
7. They make the best role models.
No brothers are perfect, but they can come close. It's always been an honor to have two great people to look up to; to strive to be as good at sports as them, to work hard enough to go to great colleges like them, to mature and grow up enough to be as successful as them and to ask them questions and confide in them when you don't know what to do.
It's always great to have good friends that aren't in your family. My best girl and guy friends are great people. But, at the end of the day, when everything is laid on the table, you gotta give it to the brothers... they rock.
