If you have siblings, you know that the age difference is crucial. Whether you’re the oldest and get to say things like, “Well, I was in the world first,” or you’re the youngest and you get to zing back lines like, “Well, Mom and Dad stopped after me because they finally got a perfect child,” the age difference between you and your siblings is a very important part of your family dynamic.

I, personally, have two sisters. The age gap is four years between me and my middle sister, but then six years between my oldest sister and I. Although I relate more to my middle sister, and due to her being at home longer while I was there, we grew closer. My eldest sister and I will always have an interesting relationship.

She left for college when I was 12, and it was devastating. I remember when she came into my room to say bye, and I cried because she was leaving me alone with my parents and my middle sister, and at that point in my life I was much closer with her than my other family members. However, because she left while I was so young, we grew apart, and never had a chance to forge a mature relationship as we grew older. But now that we are both in our 20’s, and much more mature, we are building that relationship—finally.

Although I regret not having a close relationship with her as I was growing up, there were still some awesome benefits to having a sister (or sibling) who is six or more years older than you:

1. They are older, therefore wiser.

But don’t let it go to your head, Bud.

2. There’s a good chance they’ve been through what you’re going through.

So you can go to them for advice.

3. They can explain how taxes and credit cards work.

And give you examples of how they got into debt, so you don’t make their mistakes.

4. They can buy you booze.

5. They’re like a second mom that you go to when you can’t go to your actual mom.

Like when you get arrested or need to know what kind of condoms to buy.

6. They’re always super supportive.

7. They genuinely want to hear about your adventures so they can live vicariously through you.

8. They're fun to mess with.

TBT to the time we convinced you that you were pregnant.

9. They know how to deal with your parent’s BS and give you tips and pointers.

10. Your parents listen to them more, so if you can get them to vouch for you, you’re golden.

11. They have an apartment that you can crash at.

If you’re lucky.

12. They’ll always be there to drive you to the airport.

13. They buy you things, because they remember what being a broke college kid is like.

14. They’re always there for you when your parents aren’t.

15. They teach you how to be more mature at a younger age.

16. They used you as a life-sized doll with their friends.

Which deep down you loved, even if you pretended to hate it.

17. They’ll always be there for you, no matter what.

So if you have a sibling who is more than five or six years older than you, give ‘em a call. Don’t be afraid that they’re ever too busy for you, because when it comes down to it, you're family. Always have been, always will be.