Hi there,

First of all, I'd like for you to know a few things. My little brother is my entire world, my best friend, and one of the best human beings on the planet. He has the biggest heart of anyone I've ever met, and I'm sure, for you, he'd do anything. He doesn't fall for girls often, so when he does, it means something.

I know I can be a little intimidating sometimes, but it's only because I care about him so much. I’ve been told I’m the scary older sister, but believe me. It’s not me you have to worry about. He has a twin sister, and she will hurt you. So I'll just apologize in advance for all of the questions I'll ask and for my all-but-subtle social media stalking. It's only so I can get to know you and see the same person he sees. But I promise, if he loves you, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. I'll forgive you when he does, even if I don't agree with it because he's my little brother and I want him to be happy more than anything in the world.

But in return, I ask you this. Please guard his heart the way you would want yours guarded. Don't lie to him, cheat on him, or lead him on. Don’t break his heart and then continue to shatter it. It’s not fair to him. Say thank you when he buys you dinner, don't just expect it. Go to Buffalo Wild Wings with him because it's one of his favorite places, even though you don't like it. Appreciate the gifts he buys you, because I can promise it took careful planning to pick out (not to mention, getting him to spend money on something other than food is a huge accomplishment). Ask him about his scars. Be his best friend. Fight with him when he’s being a jerk (trust me on this one, it happens every now and then). Accept his apologies. Don’t listen to everything you hear. Embrace his weirdness. And most importantly, if you have to let him go, let him go easily.

I may seem a little overprotective, but I watched him put his heart and soul into something and fail. I watched him get accepted to college, play his last basketball game, and lose people he cared about. I was there when he had his wisdom teeth pulled, and I made him mac and cheese even though he was only supposed to eat milkshakes. I cried over his first car wreck. I argued with him over dumb sibling things like who gets the front seat in the car. I even helped him throw his first party. I’ll be here with or without you. But I need you to consider how important he is.

I can promise you this: getting to know my brother will be the best decision you ever made. Yeah, okay, I’m a little biased, but he grew up with two sisters and a mom who he would drop everything for. He learned from a hardworking, loving father. He knows how to treat a girl. He understands that women are moody and temperamental sometimes. He understands what love is, and he’s more sensitive than he may seem. He’s not perfect, and sometimes he makes bad decisions. He’s an 18-year-old boy for crying out loud. But he chose you, and he loves you. Always remember that. You should feel special. And if you still take all of this for granted, I feel sorry for you. You missed out on one of the funniest, most lively people to know.

If you stick around, you’ll laugh on a daily basis, get spoiled, and most of all, be loved in return. Now trust me, I get that every relationship doesn’t work. I’m not asking you to stay forever. If you’re unhappy, leave. I’m just asking that you treat him with the love and respect he deserves. I'm asking that you realize how lucky you are to be loved by someone like him.

Sincerely,

A loving older sister