We all have "best friends" and refer to many as "one of my best friends" (myself included), but when it comes down to it, your brother is your best friend. Whether he's older or younger, he's lived quite a similar life and you've probably gone through a lot together. Here are the main reasons why your brother is such a bomb/important person in your life:

1. When you're down, your brother can tell. And he's usually the first one to have you laughing so hard you snort/ and or cry.

Even if you don't live together anymore, chances are your brother can tell you are upset when something's happened. He will call or FaceTime you and tell you stupid, irrelevant things that will make your day that much better.

---

2. You've gone to the same schools, and hence endured the same strange teachers. Ranting ensues.

He may be a few years ahead or behind you, but chances are he also had the strange math teacher with bad jokes and a comb over. It's a bonding experience that cannot compare.

---

3. Family vacations are basically just an opportunity for you guys to mess things up in a different place.

Riding the hotel bag cart at a rapid pace is a must, no matter how old you are. Your parents shake their heads, but you're not sorry. Leaving your mark wherever you are is something you and your brother are too good at.

---

4. You always back each other up.

Whether it's parents or friends, you and your brother are each other's #1. No one messes with you guys, and people are fully aware of this.

---

5. You actually wouldn't be able to get through family reunions, baptisms, or weddings without him.

Is that Elaine's son? Does Elaine even have a son? Neither of you know the answer to these questions, but you've gotten really good at pretending like you do.

---

6. He purposefully tries to annoy you, but he doesn't let anyone else annoy you like he does.

Sometimes you want to take his iPhone and throw it across the room, and other times you realize how lucky you are to have him lay on top of you when you need to leave. It's all out of love.

---

7. He's lived with you basically his whole life, and therefore, knows your flaws/ weird habits. He has to love you anyway.

Whether it's talking in your sleep, constantly stressing out, making lists on lists, leaving your entire wardrobe on the floor or drinking milk straight out of the gallon, he's seen you do it. He will see you do it again, and he will still like you. He might even do those things too. What a great friendship.

---

8. You can look at him, and he basically just gets you.

Very few words are needed between you two. He's usually on the same page, so making sure he understands is never really the issue.

---

9. You keep each other in check and aren't afraid to be honest.

You know each other best, so if you stray off the path he can remind you to get back on it (and vice versa). He knows what is like you and what isn't, which ends up saving you a lot of embarrassment/regret in the end.

---

10. He may not say it, but he appreciates you.

As he benefits you, you also benefit him. You're his right-hand man (or woman). His life would definitely not be as interesting without you in it. As a sibling, you've taught him patience and compassion. As you have to thank him, he also has to thank you.