Being the youngest of four male cousins, an older brother and an older sister, you learn how to stand on your own at a young age. But these cousins were more than cousins to me, they were the band of older brothers every little girl does not entirely dream of. Growing up with older cousins and siblings teaches you a lot about yourself. Out of the six, I was lucky enough to have my sister around, but she, like me, understood the life of having pretty much five older brothers. Throughout my life, I was able to not only get a better understanding of myself as a person, but an understanding of men at extremely early age.
Girls, I am sorry but there is no textbook on understanding the male population. If you were lucky like me, you understand that males are interesting creatures.
Without a doubt you turned me into a much stronger woman. I learned about respect, sports, understanding boundaries, bro code and simply how the male brain works. Boy, I must say you all are a bunch of interesting creatures.
You all pretty much designed the checklist I have for boyfriends, because if they cannot even get past me there is no way in hell they will survive 30 seconds with you.
I would do anything and sacrifice anything for those five guys. You guys were the best teachers a little girl could have asked for. Here is why older cousins will always be the greatest:
1. We could always get away with doing stupid dangerous things together...
Because it’s not like you had to explain to my mom where those bruises and cuts came from.
2. You will always be the guinea pig... FOR EVERYTHING
All those concoctions were disgusting by the way.
3. There was no crying allowed... AT ALL
No matter how many times a puck went to my face during street hockey, I knew that if I cried, I was not allowed to play.
4. Best babysitters around
Unlimited pizza + mac and cheese was always the go-to.
5. They tell you how they see it when you bring a significant other to a family function
Thank you for always reassuring me that no one will ever be good enough for me, according to your standards.
6. They will also put that significant other in place
7. Best drinking buddies
It’s always much more fun, not only because they are family, but because they’re your friends too.
8. Became their friend's little cousin/sister
Hey Dana, I’m not 12 anymore…
9. Help you prank your siblings
10. Teach you how to curse knowing they wouldn't be the one getting in trouble
"I have no idea how she learned to say that Auntie…"
11. But once you guys are all in the same room again, all hell breaks loose
Party isn’t complete 'til we're all together
Thank you. Thank you for being my friends, role models, partners in crime and most of all, making my life a whole lot brighter.
Love,
Your little cousin.
