Growing up, I silently cursed my parents for not giving me a little sister to play dress up with, to give my hand-me-downs, and to talk about crushes with. Instead, I received a terror of a little brother who broke my crayons, decapitated my Barbie’s and somehow always managed to get me in trouble.

No matter how many times I tattled on him and wished him away my mother would repeatedly remind that someday I would appreciate him. Although I hate to admit it, she was kind of right. Okay fine, she was really right. Even though we are four years apart my little brother means the world to me and even if he may not admit it, I know he feels the same.

There’s just something special about a bond between having a younger brother and being the older sister. I may not fill the stereotypical mold of a “big, tough, older brother” but I am a small, tough, older sister who will forever be my little brother’s biggest supporter, defender and protector.

We always have each other's back no matter what. Whether it’s covering with our parents or sticking up for each other whenever needed, we’ll always go to bat for each other. Also, although we may not be “kids” anymore, he's always there the do the things that I won't do. I’m the first to scream at the mere speculation of a bug in my room. No matter the time, he’ll always come bounding down the hallway to rescue me from a spider that is clearly plotting my death. Not without a little teasing of course.

The benefits of our relationship work both ways, growing up my brother got to benefit from my good reputation. Although I may be partial as the older sibling, constantly being referred to as my younger sibling must have its perks. No matter where I am, I’m proud to nod and agree.

However, no true sibling bond is free without fights and bickering and we have our turbulent days--especially when he doesn’t let me use his phone charger. Thankfully, our arguments never last long. We all have strengths and weaknesses, and as close siblings we know each other’s well. My brother is always quick to send all of his essays my way when he needs some help, just as he is the first I call when my TV remote isn’t working again.

When it comes to my brother, I'm ever able to say no. Even if I’m busy and my little brother needs me to do something, I’ll drop everything to help him out in a situation. Even if that's me forking over my last $20. I am the big sister after all.

One of my favorite things about my relationship with my brother is our shared sense of humor. Maybe we get along so well because we’re both so funny, or so we think. I can’t think of anyone I laugh harder with over the stupidest things.

The best part of all is that we both always have someone to hang out with. As siblings, we never really get sick of each other. We constantly attempt to battle our boredom from plans that never followed through with friends, which results in renting yet another on-demand movie together. But hey, we’re not complaining: free food, free movies and free company.

And the list goes on. As we get older, wiser and funnier our bond continues to strengthen. So what I’m trying to say here without having you pick on me for being too sentimental is that I’m glad you were a little brother after all.