As the youngest, we often get the short end of the stick. Older siblings will disagree with this statement, but we got the hand-me-down clothes, car (unless you crashed or broke it...yeah, thanks for that), bed set, and we had to live in your shadow. But I wouldn't trade being the youngest for the world.
1. You Always Had Someone to Play With
Even though sometimes mom had to force you to play with me, I was never bored. When you were forced to play a little-kid game in exchange for playing a big-kid game, I was the real winner, because I got to spend time with you. As we got older, we got to experience new things together, like the Foam run and more. Playing with an older brother only made me tougher and more of a tom-boy; thank you for that!
2. You Got to Experience "Older Kid Stuff"
A lot of the time we would hear things like, "Aren't you a little too young for that?" Having older siblings meant I got try things other kids my age hadn't experience yet. From maturing in order to understand the older siblings' jokes, to the little things like drinking out of a "big girl" cup because that's what older sister and brother were doing. The youngest had to step up to the plate when we wanted to be like them.
3. There Was Always an Extra Closet
Guilty as charged. Thanks to my older sister's closet, I used to go "shopping" before middle school, while she was already at high school. The amount of times I had to sneak clothes back into her room was crazy, but it was worth it when someone told me I had a cute shirt, because I'd say, "Yeah, it's my sisters!" Also a huge thank you to my older brother for the big t-shirts, jackets, and your old Sadie Hawkins shirts that were always extra comfy.
Sometimes they let you dress exactly like them #thanksmom
4. You Learned How to Bend or Get the Rules
I watched them get caught coming in after curfew, forget to call, skip class, not do chores, date the bad boy, get in a fight, disobey the rules, and anything else they shouldn't have done, resulting in a grounding. The older sibling got to make the mistake and take the heat while I hung back and learned what not to do. Thank to this, I never told mom and dad when I did it... So thanks for making all the mistakes that you did – they paid off!
P.S. Listening to my older sister and brother talk about how to sneak out without getting caught meant the second I had a reason to sneak out I easily had five different routes planned.
5. You Had Social Perks
When you're younger it is always cool to know your sister or brother's older, cooler friends. You feel like one of them – that is, until one of your siblings says you're annoying and to go play in traffic... When freshman year of high school rolled around, when everyone wanted to know the upper classmen in order to fit in, I had a senior older sibling. Even though my brother refused to walk into school with me, seniors talked to me (even if they only knew me by "Kyle's little sister"). This also meant that any boy I thought was cute had to be cleared not just by my brother, but by at least three of his friends, aka bodyguards. Also, even if your older sibling wasn't a great student, you got to joke about them and prove to teachers the only thing similar between the two of you is your hair and last name.
Back in the day, releasing pictures like this would have made me loose my ride to school privileges for a good month or two.
6. There Was Always Someone to Confide In
Older siblings are my own personal therapist. Yeah, talking to mom and dad is great, but older siblings have been there in this generation, unlike your parents. (Sorry, but times have changed since a piece of candy was five cents.) Plus, there was no judgement, and no fear of potential trouble. Siblings understand situations, share how they dealt with the same experience, and knock me down to size when I'm dumb and in the wrong.
7. You Had Your Own Chauffeur
The day they got their license meant I now had my own personal taxi. My siblings hated it, but some of my favorite memories are of me sitting in the passenger seat listening to their music on the way home from school, a friend's house, practice, or the store. I pretended like I understood what the songs meant, how the music and drive help them cope with their troubles, and took in the rare quality time in a small, enclosed space.
8. There's an Escape From Home
We all need a break from home, and that break is now called your apartment. So, yes, you will get texts at 10:30 asking if I can come over, and by come over I mean I am coming to sit on your comfy couch, watch T.V., and joke around without mom and dad asking multiple questions about college.
9. There's Someone to Laugh With
Sense of humor seems to be hereditary, because siblings really understand what's funny about each other. Being the youngest, I was often the punch line, but that's okay, because it taught me to be tough and laugh at myself. I don't regret it, though, because sibling jokes create bonds blackmail to last a lifetime.
10. You Get the Best Role Model
Siblings are forever. Being the youngest meant that my role models would always be there, no matter what. I could always look up to them and get advice whenever I needed it. Whether it was what pair of soccer cleats I should get, color of prom dress, or what college to choose, they were there through thick and thin. I wouldn't be who I am today without my older siblings. All I can say is thank you, older siblings. Thank you for being there no matter what. From indoor soccer in the bedroom, long car rides, snorkeling, extra soccer practice, lots of jokes, knowledge, a personal tutor in school and life, and endless amounts of love even when you were picking on me.
Next time you're driving my crazy, I'll just think about all the good music and clothes you have that I can steal.
