When I come across someone who announces themselves as an only child, my heart breaks just a little. I have lived a life so close knit to my siblings that I literally cannot imagine growing up, let alone living an entire life, without them. It’s a special kind of relationship that is irreplaceable and one that is so instrumental in me becoming who you are that I think it’s important to take a minute and recognize the importance of a relationship with your siblings.

Growing up together with other kids around you is such a blessing. You can learn from their mistakes, watch them grow and learn from it, and most importantly, there is always someone there to hold your hand, no matter what. Growing up, spending that extra time with your siblings and talking with them about things you know no one else would understand or care about is such an important component to growing up. Your siblings aren’t always your favorite person in the moment, but it’s an unimaginable feeling, unless you have siblings, to know there is someone to call at the end of the day who will share if your triumphs and your failures.

It is just as important to be a sibling as it is to have one. Be there for you brother or sister. You won’t remember most of your childhood of growing up together, but if you never waiver in love, respect and appreciation for them, you’ll be lucky enough to continue growing up with them for the rest of your life. To have someone that really has known you your whole life, the ins and outs of your personality, what makes you happy and sad, what you love to do, that is true love and something to work toward. To have that person, or people if you’re lucky, that knows you better than anyone else is worth nothing in the world.

Having a sibling is such an important component in your relationship with your parents. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see your parents when you look at your sibling, and vice versa. You’ll recognize the things you love and the things you hate, but you’ll recognize them. It will become a familiar feeling, and you’ll feel at complete peace when you’re surrounded by these people you know so deeply.

One day, when you’ve (somewhat) grown up, and you’re out on your own, you’ll look to the people around you, and notice that your family has never wavered in support and love for you. You’ll realize that you are where you are, in part, because of your siblings. You’ll realize that not everyone was lucky enough to be raised the way you were, surrounded by people who understand you and love you for your faults. You’ll come to realize that you wouldn’t be the person you are without your siblings.

Thanks to my sibbies, I am a better me.