Having older siblings is always a blessing and a curse, but when you have one that's more than 10 years older than you it's a totally different story. I have two sisters, one that's five years older and one that's 12 years older. They've both affected me, but the latter shaped me in ways the former never could because she was already in seventh grade when I was born. Here are a few of the ups and downs of having that older older sibling by your side.

1. You get someone to hang out with AND independence

Because my sister left for college when I was six, I was able to get the best of both worlds with her. I got to hang with her and bond while she was home and learned how to be more independent when she went away and my other sister was in high school. Now that we're all grown up I look forward to being both independent and having my two sisters by my side whenever I need them.

2. You get a ton more freedom than they did

By the time my sisters were out of the house my parents were divorced and essentially had given up on being as strict as they had been. I got lucky being the youngest because as soon as I was old enough both of my parents weren't quite as worried about me as they were about the other two. I hear how much easier I have it way too often.

3. You get a second mom

When it comes to having older sisters, they have two jobs. One is to be your sister and your friend to hang out with, but for a while their most important job is the other one. That one is to be your other mom for you to respond to. They can give advice like your mom, hug like your mom, and unfortunately yell like your mom when you do something they don't approve of.

4. You learn about everything you missed before you were born

Yeah we watched re-runs as a kid, but this and many other shows and things happened way before we were even born. That's yet another reason why big sisters come in handy. They can teach you all about the cool things you missed out on. My oldest sister even went as far to teach me all about Judy Garland. And then of course taught me the wonder that is Google Images.

5. You become an old soul

Because they were so much older than me when I was little, I learned a lot fast. I grew up a lot quicker than most other kids and in my opinion became that much cooler. I was definitely corrupted at a young age and became incredibly cynical, but I wouldn't change it for the world. I was hanging out with teenagers at 5 and now I'm hanging out with 30 year olds at 19.

6. You get a do over without having to mess up the first time

My sisters are older so obviously they've lived more and done more than I have. Sure, that can sound annoying, but what it really means is that I get a chance to do what they did too, but only this time it'll be better. They can tell me the mistakes they made, the ways our mom caught on to them, or how to put on eyeliner the right way without stabbing yourself. They've been there, done that, so now all I have to do is listen up and do better.

7. You always have someone to look up to

A lot of people look to celebrities or other public figures as a way to behave, but I had two built in people to look up to. Older sisters are the epitome of role models. They shape you whether you like it or not and they will always be there to help you and teach you what the right thing to do is.

8. You develop a tough skin

Being the youngest isn't always easy. Granted, I was often the one starting fights, but regardless I never went unpunished. I've been yelled at, hit, punched, and a myriad of other physical and emotional abuses have come way but never once did I question the love we share for each other. Siblings exist to give you a hard time and are there to make sure you always have a good story to tell later on.

9. You always have a fun game to play

Now my personal favorite is this: I will always have a game that I love to play with both of my sisters.. especially if I'm a little annoyed at them. It goes like this, "When I was 5, you were 17," "when I was 18, you were 30," "when I'm 38, you'll be 50." And the best parts about it are I can do it till the day we die, it'll never get old, and I'll always win.