You’ve probably heard the metaphor: “Life is like a roller-coaster.” If you're the older sibling and if you've grown up with a younger sister, then you understand exactly what I mean. The moment your mother and father tell you that you’re going to be a big sister, you automatically get harnessed into a seat with no ifs, ands, or buts about it. You’re freaking out a little but, before you know it, the fun begins, whether you're ready for it or not.
Everything seems fine and dandy during the first couple of years. Hey, maybe having a baby sister isn't the worst thing in the world. Then a realization hits you, and you begin to recognize that your sister has stolen the spotlight, your spotlight. Let's face it, you're not the baby anymore, so you are no longer cute enough to matter.
Well.
For all of those who have not had the pleasure of growing up with a little sister, I am here to enlighten you on what growing up and living with a sister really entails and what having a sister means to me.
1. Growing up with a sister really prepares you for life's biggest challenges.
There is constantly healthy competition occurring between the two of you. Anything she can do, I can definitely do better, and I will prove it to you.
2. Growing up with a sister sometimes taught you that you can only count on yourself.
Sending the favorite sibling to ask mom or dad for permission may or may not turn out in your favor. That's because your darling little sister usually mentions your name after specifically telling them not to.
3. Growing up with a sister is like joining the MMA.
Who needs a recruiter to OK your awesome soccer skills and to offer you a full ride to college, when we have the next Ronda Rousey in the household. Unfortunately, you have to be the Holly Holm of the household in order to win.
4. As the older sibling, I get to pass down my wisdom.
My family members always told me that I will learn as I get older; now that I am realizing they were right about almost everything so far, I feel as though I should pass down my own words of wisdom to my sister. I am able to offer valid advice about college, since I have lived through four years of it, and love. Just because I am getting married doesn't mean my relationship hasn't gone through any trials. I now know how my mom and mom-mom must have felt when I didn't listen to the advice they gave me. I get super upset when my sister doesn't take my advice; it's like she's insulting my knowledge. You do you, Boo Boo.
5. Growing up with a sister makes it impossible to hold a grudge.
Whether it's between the two of us or between one of us and another friend or family member, it's impossible for us to hold a grudge. We value our friendships, our relationships with others, too much and therefore, we always try to salvage them, even if they're not the healthiest relationships to have.
I always used to think that having a little sister was the worst thing in the world. Why couldn't my parents have given birth to a son instead? But, now I can honestly say that my sister has become my very best friend. We totally understand how different we are, but we also know each other better than anyone. It actually doesn't really matter how much we argue, because we know we would do anything for each other. A sister's love is unconditional, no matter how many hurtful words have been thrown at the other. Thanks for always challenging me to be my very best me. I love you!
