Dear sisters,

It seems like having a sister is a universal experience. Growing up, they are often the enemy. Sisters steal your clothes, and they tell your parents when you hit them even though they hit you first. They turn the TV to the History Channel just so you can’t watch MTV, and they’ll occasionally look you in the eye as they scratch your "Dirty Dancing" CD on the wood floor. Sometime after middle school, though, you seem to find that a sister is more than just a sibling. They are the best best friends you could ever have.

To my older sisters, I love you. I even like you. For as long as I’ve been around, so have you, which makes us perfect for each other. You know exactly what I mean when I text you, “Ugh, I can’t even with mom,” and you always stick up for me (even if you’re low-key #TeamMom). We share the common understanding that sitting in the same bed on our phones is a hella good time. You both make me laugh, especially in any situation where we combine our sister powers, and it's usually to make jokes about people.

You will casually pick up wherever I left off singing “C’est La Vie” (or any song) by B*Witched. You would never leave me hanging out to dry when we sing like it’s a Karaoke Bar Night in the car. We have endless inside jokes, or stories so weird that they’re essentially inside jokes (because no one else would understand why "I lost my wife" or "Do rabbits lay eggs?" is hilarious). No matter the situation – school and career choices, guys, impulse buys, or eating a McDonald’s double cheeseburger, medium fry, and McFlurry…and four-piece nuggets – you don’t judge me.

(Us on The Lawrence Welk Show)

You are a constant source of encouragement, from telling me I’m pretty to helping me cope with the challenges of college, and most importantly, cultivating my mind. If I ever found myself in jail, I would trust you with my one call (because God knows mom wouldn’t answer her phone).

Spending my childhood living in the same bedroom as you, I never imagined a future in which we would be altogether just twice a year. But growing up and moving out doesn’t mean growing apart or moving on, and when we are together, my heart is complete. I can’t wait to live in the same bedroom with you both again when we’re 80 and real-life "Golden Girls." Haily and Holly, you are my soulmates.

To my younger sisters, I love you girls, too. In the years before you were born, I happily lived my life as the baby of the family. It wasn’t a position I wanted to give up, but our parents really gave me no choice. I suppose I’m happy with that too. I can’t fathom that by next year, both of you will be in high school. Aren’t you, like, 10 and 12 years old?

So, even though you’re my little sisters and you are getting older, I hope you know a few things: you are never alone. Boys can be stupid and girls can be mean, but that only reflects on them. Respect yourself and others. High school isn’t everything. Don’t talk-back to our parents, because 10 out of 10 times, it will just get you into more trouble. And if you ever find yourselves in jail, I will always help you out. Harlee and Hannah, you are beautiful, funny, and annoying as hell -- everything a little sister should be.

To every woman reading this, womanhood, in its infinitely many forms, is our common experience, and that makes us a part of a sisterhood. So, dear woman, let me tell you that you are lovely, you are capable, and you are more than any stereotype or standard placed on you. Too often, we are pitted against each other, and it’s time we get past the middle school stage and become the best, best friends we can be to each other.

Let’s compete for jobs, not for guys. Let’s complement each other, not insult out of jealousy. Let’s stick up for one another instead of calling out our fellow sisters. Let’s understand that though we may never fully understand each other, the sisterhood we share is a bond worth building. And, the more we support each other, the stronger that bond will be.

If you have a sister, whether it’s your sibling, cousin, or best friend, call her, text her, or send her this article. Let her know you love her.