Being an older sister is many things. It's arguing with your younger sisters all the time, trying to give them advice they don't want, and yelling at them for stealing your stuff. It's eating ice cream with them after their best friend turns against them, plotting revenge against a terrible ex, and laughing at their jokes even when they aren't funny. No matter how old you get the common themes of older-sisterhood never really change, which is both comforting and infuriating.
1. When you ask them nicely for a favor and they refuse.
Bonus points if they give you a ridiculous reason for not doing it.
2. Asking them to not do something automatically means they're going to do it.
They'll do it just to get under your skin.
3. You see them as exponentially younger than you, but in reality, they're in the same generation as you.
They can never escape being called 'kiddo' in front of their friends. It's how the world works.
4. If there's more than one of them, they'll tag-team you for the maximum level of savage.
It's even worse if they're only a year or two apart.
5. Asking them how you look is a recipe for disaster.
They might be your younger sisters, but that's all the more reason for them to be brutally honest.
6. Embarrassing nicknames are like a cruel game.
Everyone tries to out-do the other with humiliating nicknames to the point where none of them make sense anymore, and they're not really that bad, but it's the intention that bothers you.
7. When 'your song' comes on the radio, you all know exactly what harmonies everyone is singing.
Most of the time you don't even talk about it, it just happens.
8. They know exactly when you need a self-esteem boost.
Sure, they're snarky 99% of the time, but younger sisters have a sixth sense when it comes to knowing how and when to cheer you on.
9. Even though they make you want to rip your hair out, you still love them.
Being an older sister means protecting your younger sisters with everything you have. No matter what they do to you, you'll always be there to support them. It might not seem like the love is reciprocated all the time, but we never doubt that it's there.
10. And, if you're lucky, there will come a time when they tell you how much they appreciate you.
One of the most amazing feelings in the world is having your younger sister thank you for what you've done. Whether it's for helping them with their homework, or solving their boy troubles, or simply just for being around, in that moment all of the sarcasm and arguing is worth it.
