Sometimes I forget that I'm not actually biologically part of my best friend's family. I mean, even the waiter who walks up to greet the family by saying, "You have beautiful girls," thinks I am. Even if I'm not biologically related, I am definitely part of my friend's family, and, not to mention, the favorite child. Who needs science? The way I see it is that mom had an easy ride with her pregnancy. But all jokes aside, I am very grateful to have been adopted by this family. If you have never had the opportunity to be illegally adopted by your best friends family, here is what it's like:

1. When in public, people believe you're actually related

It's mistaken often, and I don't blame them. We look alike, act alike, and function as a normal family...as far as "normal" goes. Whenever the family is doing something, I'm right in the middle of it. It's gotten to the point where hearing "sisters" or "your child' is so normal, we don't even correct people anymore.

2. Yelling “bye mom, love you” as you walk out the door

Yes, I do have my own mother and she is an amazing woman. But this is Mom Number Two we are talking about. She also deserves my love for adopting me. Besides, how else do you get brownie points?

3. You grab food right out of the kitchen without a second thought

Every morning, afternoon, and late night snack. There's not even any guilt in eating food you didn't pay for because you know you're just that loved. The best part is when the younger siblings get blamed for eating all the food, but it was really you and your best friend.

4. You get in trouble just like the rest of their kids

When you receive all the benefits, you also receive the punishments as well. When you're just friends with someone and they get in trouble, you just stand there awkwardly. In this household, you better believe you're getting yelled at just the same. But I will continually blame it on my friend so I can receive the best child award for the fifth year in a row, and I advise you do, too.

5. You shower in their house and walk to your room (which really isn't even your room) in your towel

I'm barely even comfortable doing this in my own home!!

6. You have to share the chores

No, nobody necessarily likes chores. But it's a tough world out there, and you've got to beat your best friend to the Favorite Child podium. The best way to do that is to do all her chores before she gets to them. Works every time.

7. You receive presents on all the holidays

I'm talking Christmas, Valentine's Day, birthdays. Double the presents equals double the happiness. Who cares about chores or punishments when you're getting presents!!

To my best friends family, thank you. Thank you for being there for me, for loving me, for feeding me and for calling me your own when you already had enough on your plate. You have taught me what true love really is because you weren't forced to love me (okay, maybe a little), but you choose to keep me around.