An Open Letter To My Big Brother
Start writing a post
Relationships

An Open Letter To My Big Brother

You're my favorite bully.

34
An Open Letter To My Big Brother
Kristi Russell

Dear big brother,

Let's just cut to the chase and start this thing out on an honest note: you probably legitimately hated me at some point in your life. I'm sure there were a few moments when I annoyed you so much that even the "we love each other because we're family" love went away. Heck, I'm probably annoying you somehow right now. But hey, what are little siblings for? I will say this, though: I'm sorry. I'm sorry I bothered you at times while we were growing up and I'm sorry I still bother you sometimes, but I promise it was all (read: sometimes) done with a pure heart. I wasn't always the little spawn of satan that you probably thought I was. And just throwing this out there: it wasn't a walk in the park for me either. Where you saw me as clingy, I saw you as the cool kid that I'd be lucky to hang out with. Where you saw me as a copycat, I saw you as a trendsetter. Where you saw me as a brat, I saw you as an example (because let's be real, you were not very pleasant in your pubescent years). Where you saw me as the pesky little sibling that you just couldn't get away from, I saw you as a God-given role model, a protector and a friend.

I always daydreamed about you sticking up for me if someone tried to bully me, but that situation never came about. I didn't know at the time that a friendship would be in our future, but it came in due time. As for our childhood, though, yeah. You were my God-given role model. I have looked to you for advice and guidance since the day I was born and honestly, I haven't stopped since. I watched you go through every mistake and every triumph – from how to ride a bicycle to failing middle school projects and even navigating the job interview/offer process during college. Let me tell you, you aren't the only one who learned from each mistake and triumph. I saw every failure as something to avoid and prevent in my life, and every success as something to strive for in my life. Thank you for being someone that taught me so incredibly much without even trying.

You made my life better. All of those life lessons I learned from obnoxiously and obsessively clinging to you (as all of the best little siblings do) helped me avoid so many life roadblocks and overcome so many obstacles. You may not realize this, but you are my hero. I'd say I would be nothing without you, but I would be something – lost. No matter how much you may have hated me at any given moment in time, you always knew when I really needed you to be there for me. You always knew when I needed some tough love (which was quite often, if I remember correctly). You always knew when I needed some alone time with you, even though you probably didn't want to spend any spare time with me. You always knew when I needed your support or approval. You always knew when I needed a pat on the back or a big bear hug. You always knew when I needed someone to complain about mom and dad with, because you remember having the same arguments with them years earlier. You always knew how to push my buttons while also managing to calm my storms. For that – for all of that – I am more than thankful.

Seriously, I am so beyond thankful for you. I wouldn't trade any fight, any argument, any hard time or any negative experience with you for the world. Looking at our relationship now makes me appreciate all of our past even more. Our friendship means the whole world to me – you understand me more than most. You tolerate me more than most. You love me more than most. You have protected me, taught me and saved me in more ways than you know and you have helped me become the person I am today. Maybe you were right all those times you said, "I'm only mean to you because I love you."

Thank you, you big teddy bear. You're my favorite bully.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

41422
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

25966
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

951295
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

134703
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments