For Kate Hutson.
I have no doubt that this title sent many of you into an immediate eye roll or head shake. Coming from a girl, who doesn't have an older sis, how could I possibly make the comparison or even begin to comprehend the special bond that two sisters share? Well, after years of being around friends and their older sisters, I thank my lucky stars that my parents never gave me one of my own. Now before you grow even more annoyed, I'm not at all saying that life with a sister is a total nightmare. From what I've also witnessed, an older sister can be the best role model, as well as the best friend. From my personal experience in growing up with an older cousin, I feel as if I've been blessed with the best of both worlds.
An older cousin is able to provide you with guidance without dragging you through their own personal dos and don'ts. She's able to be a bit more objective when it comes to giving advice regarding a specific concern or situation. From what I've heard, countless of times, older sisters have a tendency to answer questions with a solid "NEVER DO THAT," OR "ALWAYS GO FOR THIS," primarily based on their individual experiences. They handle with care, just sometimes with an overwhelmingly amount of it. With the intent to protect, they end up attempting to shield, which doesn't help anything.
While she, among other family members would do anything to protect you as well, a cousin doesn't want to cut you off; cut you off from the inevitable embarrassing moments, awkward encounters, and ugly mess ups. She also doesn't want to keep you from having the best times of your life (even if you wake up with a massive headache, 1 p.m. the next day). She knows that you have to go through the good, the bad, and the scary. She knows you have to be in charge of writing your own story, even if it's packed full of mistakes for more than a few chapters. She doesn't hold the expectation that'll you to follow in her footsteps or handle everything as she would. When you do come to her, she listens. She's able to assess whatever situation you maybe dealing with (whether it's a fashion emergency or issues with an ex) and help you decide what's best for you.
Other than her not constantly "borrowing your clothes," aka pieces you'll never see again, I'd say these are just a few, out of many, reasons why having an older female cousin takes the cake. I'm lucky enough to have one who not only is my role model and best friend, but also my partner in crime, and confidant. She's made up for me not having a crazy older sister (insert winky face emoji) tenfold.
