I am the absolute youngest member of my immediate family, consisting of a mother, father, and three daughters. I am also the youngest member of my extended family, being a niece, a cousin, and a granddaughter. Because of this, I've never had the opportunity to feel like an "older" anything. One sister is two years older than I am, and the other is five-and-a-half years older than I. Starting in December 2015, I gained a second family - all of whom are considered some of the most important people in my life. My boyfriend, his mother, father, younger brother, and two younger sisters. The bond I've formed with his family, especially the two daughters, seems almost inseparable. They have taught me so many lessons about myself, my boyfriend, themselves, their family, and others. So, to my two metaphorical "little sisters," this one's for you.

To be honest, when I first met you and your family, I was petrified. I had no experience with a significant other's family before, and I wanted to make a great first impression, and continue with that positive outlook. I remember stepping into your house for the first time, and you both were so quiet, probably just as confused and bottled up as I was. However, over the past (almost) year and a half, we have created this relationship and friendship that is so easy to adhere too, and I hope it keeps continuing. Here are a few reasons why I need to thank you.

Thank you for allowing me to be a role model. I've been through everything that you are going through. Elementary school, the beginning stages of puberty, and your first crush in your third-grade class. However, I always had my two older sisters to look up to and ask for advice. You two have your brothers, but I'm almost positive that in some cases, following in a boy's footsteps may not be the greatest idea. Your brother and your mom always remind me of how much you both look up to me, and in the most unselfish way, I can not thank you enough for allowing me to be that person for you.

Thank you for seeing me as a part of your family. Every person, shape or size, wants to be accepted into their love's family. I love being able to spend holidays with you and your family and taking day trips to New York City and your Grandma's beach house in Bayville. I love seeing myself in pictures with you, and seeing the smiles on both of our faces when the picture is printed and hung up on a wall or placed in a frame to remember forever.

Thank you for letting me show you how your brother should be treated, and for seeing how you both should be treated when you're old enough to have a boy of your own. It is quite difficult to find the perfect person who has that amazing personality and a beautiful, generous family that always offers help and experience, but I was lucky enough to find it. You both deserve to be treated with the utmost respect and given endless amounts of love, and I hope that your brother and I are models for you.

Thank you for helping me to feel like a kid again. There is nothing I love more than playing outside, playing board games, baking, and challenging you both on MarioKart. I've always been stuck in the "kid at heart" mindset, but being with you lets me live in it.

Thank you for always sending me reassurance with gifts of appreciation. I love walking to my mailbox on campus and receiving a surprise present from you two, and a sweet card that will sit on my desk next to the others.

And lastly, thank you for finally letting me get a feel of what it's like to be an older sister.

I will always be here for the both of you. I love you both with all of my heart, and I can not wait to see you grow into even more beautiful, loving, and accepting young women.