Brothers are there to be your best friends and mentors; to make you stronger, test your patience and so much more. They play such a huge role in who you are.

So here is a list of how they do this: brothers summed up by animal memes, because who doesn't love animal memes?

1. When they test your patience

Being completely surrounded by brothers with fingers centimeters from my face -- but I can't do anything because they aren't touching me.

2. When they "make you stronger"

Yes, I am looking at you and your bony fingers.

3. When you ask a stupid question

"I don't know her."

4. When they crush you

"Give me a hug!"
"Only if it isn't going to hurt."
"I am not going to hurt you. I promise."
*Bear hugs*
"Oh-my-gosh-can't-breathe."
*Squeezes so tight my back cracks*
"One of these days you are going to snap me in half."
"I might crack a rib, not snap you in half; no big deal."
"Psh yeah, no big deal. You know, ribs aren't important or anything!"

5. When you are embarrassing in public

"I can't take you anywhere."

6. When you try to retaliate -- and fail.

You cannot win.

7. When you try to get through the door they built with their bodies

They might as well be rocks...

8. When winter comes and, without fail, they perfectly time your turning around to throw snow at your face.

Every. Time.

9. When they tickle you to death

I imagine this is their face when they try to be stealthy about it.

10. When you mentally plot their death

11. They are at least good for one thing -- not letting you fail math!