Obviously we all grow up eventually, but the moment you realize that your younger brother is no longer a child is scary, startling and all together odd. They are no longer the immature baby sibling you have immortalized in your mind and you enter into a whole new kind of relationship with them.
You know you little brother isn't so little anymore when...
1. Their chin scruff can actually qualify as facial hair now.
No more teasing them about their blonde baby hairs because now they don’t just talk the talk they actually walk the walk
2. They can, and do use, you as an armrest.
You close your eyes for one second and then boom, they've hit their growth spurt and are now definitively taller than you (in my case by 11 inches). At least now they can reach the extra peanut butter on the top shelf for you.
3. People now ask you if you’re either a) twins or b) dating, both equally terrifying.
Neither of these makes any logical sense. One is slightly offensive...is it really not apparent anymore than I am a full two years older? The other is too weird to even think about but clearly your little brother no longer looks like the 12 year old boy that pops into your head whenever anyone asks you about your sibling.
4. They drive.
I wonder if it will ever not be weird to see your younger sibling operating a motor vehicle alone. I still find it weird that I can operate a motor vehicle alone sometimes.
5. When you hear them speaking, they sound incredibly mature.
Their voice got two octaves deeper and now their conversation topics include their thoughts and opinions on political issues, history, and books instead of video games (at least when conversing with adults). It both freaks you out and makes you proud at the same time.
6. They talk about what they want to study in college.
When relatives start asking them about the not so distant college application process, they launch into a whole spiel about their plans to major in X, minor in Y, and go on to get a Master's degree in Z. Meanwhile, you just sit there in silent awe that they (appear to) already have even the slightest idea of what direction they want to take their life.
7. You can talk about boys/girls with them and it isn’t weird.
Crushes and kisses are no longer off-limits in conversation. The first time crossing into this territory was certainly terrifying and slightly awkward but once the door opened there were no longer any secrets.
8. You’re not embarrassed to have them around when your friends are over.
They can come hang out with you for a little while and it is completely normal. Your friends like to joke that they like your brother more than you, and they start saying it so much you begin to wonder if it's true.
9. Hanging out with them is fun.
Concert? Smoothie run? Movie? These are no longer torturous sibling bonding events forced by mom and dad but now voluntary actions that you actually set aside time for!!
10. You can honestly say they are one of your best friends.
Siblings by chance, friends by choice. One of the cheesiest sayings out there but you can't argue with the truth. They've seen you at your best, your worst, and all the times in between and have had your back through it all. There is no greater friendship love than sibling love (if you're lucky).
