I wanted to tell you a few things that I couldn’t express in words until now. I know that I did many things that made you want to strangle me. I know that there were times when you just wanted to be alone, and I just would not leave your room.

Whenever someone new came in your life, I instantly became defensive because I didn’t want you to turn your attention to someone other than me. As a kid, I was supposed to be the biggest annoyance in your life, that was my job. As we grew up and started focusing on our own lives, those little moments turned into treasured memories. We don’t talk everyday, but I understand now. We’re both working on ourselves, but there are those days that I think of you and how you’re doing. I’m sorry I don’t call or text as often as I should, but know that you’re always on my mind. This leads me to what I really wanted to tell you. I want to say thank you for your unconditional love for me. I may not say it, but I am now. There is so much to thank you for that you may think I take for granted in the moment… but I promise you I don’t.

Thank you for making me food.

Go figure, I would start off by saying thank you for stuffing my face. I remember all the nights mom would be at work and you would whip us up some Ramen noodles or grilled cheese. Thank god you knew how to cook growing up because I would’ve lived off Pop Rocks and Reese’s peanut butter cups. I remember how fascinated I was with how you cooked eggs because I was never allowed to use the stove since I was so young. I learned a lot of my “talents” now from you. Making Kraft Mac & Cheese has become an art, not just a meal. Who knew there were so many ways to mess up mac and cheese? Well, let me tell you… there is.

Thank you for forgiving me countless times.

I’ve said so many things I don’t actually mean but that’s me being an ass. There’s always that awkward silence when I would walk into your room and stare at you till you looked at me so I didn’t have to make my apology a huge statement. No matter what we argue about, we’ll both get over it eventually (which I’m happy about). So, thank you for being such a forgiving sister.

Thank you for the encouraging pep talks.

We all have those days (or even weeks) where we just can’t seem to stay positive. Whenever I’m really down, you’ll call me up to tell me how proud you are of what I’m doing and all I’ve accomplished so far. I really appreciate those kinds of talks because it reminds me to not give up, and that it could always be worse. I don’t always express how I’m feeling but those occasional “pick me up’s” seriously keep me going. I know I can go to you about anything that’s bothering me because it’ll stay our secret. It’s also helpful that many of the things I’m complaining about are things you’ve already gone through fairly recently. It makes it easier to talk about my problems with someone who can relate.

Thank you for letting me borrow many things you never got back.

I’m the most disorganized individual in the world, and I really didn’t mean to misplace those things. If I had the money, I’d pay you back for all of it. Just think, I was helping you clean out your closet as Eminem would say.

Thank you for the best boy advice on this planet.

I seriously don’t understand how boys think, so being able to go to you for advice is great. You’ve been there, so you know what works and what doesn’t. There’s just certain things I couldn’t talk about with a friend and you’re able to answer any questions I might have. I feel like you should host a relationship intervention show because you would make BANK. So thank you for keeping me sane through the boy drama.

Thank you for being the biggest role model in my life.

As a kid, I wanted to be YOU. Not just “like” you. I wanted your style, music taste, friends, likes/dislikes, everything. I know you saw it as annoying, but in a weird way, it was a compliment to you. I love you and that’s why I wanted to be like you because I thought the world of you (and still do). I admire your hard work and dedication. Seeing you grow up so independently helped pave my future to do exactly the same thing.

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We may live different lives now, but that won’t change the fact you’ll always be my sister. Whether you’re living in the same house as me, or states away. I will always cherish our sisterly bond, because it’s lasted my entire life. I know there are siblings that don’t speak to each other because of disagreements so it makes me really appreciate what we have. I’m always thinking of you, and only wish the best for you. On that note, thank you for loving me and being the best sister a girl could ask for.