I am someone who prides myself on being close to their family.

My family is everything to me, and I enjoy every second that I get to spend with them. I am lucky to have two parents who have been happily married for twenty-nine years and have done everything in their power to give my sisters and me a charming happy life. Both my parents grew up as only children, and because of that, they knew how important it was to give their children siblings. My parents also understood the importance of spending time with their children, whether that was dropping them off at school or taking family vacations.

I know I am loved every day.

I was also lucky enough to have my great-grandma always in my life as someone who watched us when our parents couldn't. I am also forever grateful to my sisters who were always there as role models and best friends. My one sister Christy, despite being six years older than me, has always been my best friend. She always made time to watch D-Coms, play American Girl Dolls, obsess over pop stars, and hang out with me whenever I wanted. Growing up with this great support system taught me many lessons and made my life easier.

Here are 7 lessons that I have learned from having such a close family.