Carter and Casey,

I’m not a genius and I’d hardly say I would qualify to give any life advice, but I’ve been in your shoes (literally your shoes Carter, you stole my maroon Converses). Life can be tough and I hope that something I say here might be able to help you in some way.

I already know that you two, like me, are people-pleasers and that’s a really good thing because it’s important to be kind to other people and making someone else happy is one of the greatest joys we can experience in life. The most important thing about trying to make people happy is that you can’t ignore yourself and what makes you happy, so even if it seems like a rude thing to say, “Screw everyone else right now, [Insert your name here] comes first,” it’s not a bad thing and more than that, it’s healthy.

Specifically for you Carter, Netflix is beautiful and although it may seem like a good idea to rewatch The Office a million times (don’t feel alone, I still watch it every day) there are other shows out there that might be good. (You can take that literally or you can try to make a metaphor out of it, that’s up to you buddy).

Casey, we might give you a hard time, but it is truly out of love. More than that, you are greater than you give yourself credit for, you are smart, funny (at times), just the right amount of different and you’re not bad looking (the Mann family is pretty darn attractive or at least average looking for crying out loud).

If you’re giving Carley (our little sister for those who don’t keep up with my family tree) a hard time, you better stop and refocus that energy. It won’t be long before she starts bringing boys home and we’re gonna have to start giving them a hard time.

If you two are anything like me, then you will both most definitely make some huge mistakes and will most likely feel like huge idiots. I’ve been there so don’t feel alone there and try to remember that we’re all human and you aren’t the first person to do what you’ve done. Try to take solace in that. You both have experienced with heartbreak already and the only thing I can say with all certainty is that it’ll probably happen again. Sorry to put a damper on the already lame situation, but it really does not get easier.

I miss you guys a ton. I didn’t realize how weird it would be when I left for college, not getting to talk to you guys every day kinda sucks, especially because for as long as I can remember I’ve had one of you guys by my side. I am glad I left though because I don’t think I would’ve realized that you two are my best friends. You both know too much about me and have seen me at my most vulnerable moments. I’m sorry for the fights and if it seemed like I didn’t care about you guys. I would highly recommend coming to Virginia Tech, so I won’t miss y’all too much.

Sincerely,

Your awesome big brother (who I’m pretty sure is the favorite child) (aka me).