There’s something to be said about girls who grow up with older brothers. We always seem to be a little rough around the edges, mostly because if we aren’t, we won’t survive the wet willies and headlocks. We have more knowledge on trivial things like what t-shirt brands shrink the fastest (those are the ones that get passed down to us) and how much extra food needs to be made so the portion he steals won’t affect our serving size. We drive a little more recklessly because it’s how he secretly taught us when we were still much too young to be behind the wheel. Most importantly, though, we have higher standards on men and how they should treat us, knowing full well what our big brother will do if those expectations aren’t met.

There are plenty of days when I wish my brother was never born, like when he refuses to make extra food for me, or when he lets slip to our mom about the explicit things I was doing with my friends last night. Big brothers are notorious pains in the butt, but the sooner you learn to be a bigger pain in theirs, the more fun is had by both parties.

I admittedly have the most fun when I’m bugging my brother, and I would rather lounge on his bed while he plays video games than leave the house to be social. He’s the guy I can go to when I want to discuss the weird pimple on my forehead or when I desperately need my back cracked. He gives me advice on the best craft beers, how to hide things from our parents and where to go when that cheeseburger craving arises (I know you know what I mean).

Arguably, one of the best things about having a big brother is his friends, who eventually turn into a few more big brothers that you initially didn’t want but now know you could never live without. Your brother’s best friends have no shame when it comes to name-calling or a good smack to the head, and they fully expect you to retaliate. However, they are equally as dependable whenever you need a ride or a good bear hug.

Thank you to all of my big brothers out there, for making me at least a little bit tougher and for being my eternal bodyguards. And thank you especially to the OG big brother, for having my back and always being a homie.

Love Always Sometimes,

Bean