Being a little sister can have its perks. I know more times than not I could always blame things on my brother, or slide by with getting more of what I wanted because I was a younger sister. But, if you are anything like my family, my brother and I are each other's best friend and I don't know what I would do without his guidance. Even though you are all grown up now, you will always be my go to person.

Looking up to him

My brother is a constant role model. He was the first to do and experience life. I chose the same high school as him because he spoke so highly of it. I wanted to do things just because I knew my brother had also done them, I wanted to be grown up just like him. I wanted a phone because he did, I wanted to play a video game because he could. Everything he did I wanted to follow. I know many siblings don't see it the same, but older brothers have such an influence. He made decisions that impacted how I thought. He had fresh perspectives on situations I haven't gone through yet. My older brother was the one I went to for advice when I wanted a perspective different than my parents.

I am tougher

Anyone who has an older brother can relate to this. Older brothers play tough. All my cuts, bruises, injuries, and anything else can be correlated back to him. He wouldn't go easy on me when we would play basketball, but I am thankful for it now because I am tough. I learned how to defend myself in a fight, how to play sports, and other typical boy things. I am also tougher emotionally. Back when we were kids and something would upset me, he would tell me not to cry. He would help me fix it, solve the problem, and move on. His helpful tips helped me develop into the person I am today. Learning to play and hang with the boys taught me to have thick skin.

Feeling protected

A brother's love is shown through being protective. My brother would show this by offering to beat up any boy that hurt me, or that would even look my direction for that matter. It's how brothers show they care. Growing up around that I always felt safe and like I could ask my brother for anything. He always watched over me and made sure I knew if I did something stupid. He made mistakes himself, but he wanted to make sure I knew better.

My interactions with other boys

I grew up surrounded by my brother's friends, so I feel comfortable when I interact with other boys. I don't have a superficial expectation of what boys are like, or what I should expect of them because I grew up alongside one. I know how they think and how they act, and it saves me a lot of pain and heartbreak. My brother always taught me the right way to be treated, and how to always protect myself.

I am thankful everyday for having such an amazing brother. I may not say it very often, but I love you and thank you for going through life with me.