I know you have probably cursed the day you found out I was coming into your life...and probably weren't too thrilled that I would be taking up some of your attention...hence, why you bit me when mom and dad brought me home as a newborn from the hospital (thank you for that induction into the family by the way). Nevertheless, though, through all the petty fights that we had growing up, I now have come to realize I really have a lot to thank you for...

1. Thank you for always having my back

Whether it was the kids on the playground, junior high girl drama, or the things I now face as a young adult, you have always had my back. Countless times I have heard you say "don't you treat my little sister that way" and even though I was too independent to admit it at times, thank you for that. The fact that I could and still can always count on you to back me up still gives me so much strength and courage when I face obstacles.

2.Thank you for fighting with me

From fighting over "you took my Barbie" to "you are wearing my clothes" to "I really need you to drive me to school on time so I don't get another tardy and get detention," growing up those fights forced me to voice my opinion and stand-up for what I want. Also, due to our very stubborn genes (that we will just blame on our parents), those fights weren't always easy and we had to learn to pick our battles while not backing down. Those fights have now actually helped me in conflict with others, even though while we were fighting I think both us and our parents wanted to pull out our hair, but they turned out to better me, so thank you.

3. Thank you for listening

I need to get a good rant out of my system, you're there. I need to talk about an important decision and weigh all the pros and cons, you're there. I need to process a situation by talking about it over and over, you're there...even when you have heard it all a million times. I call crying, you always answer and listen. You never tell me to be quiet, even when it gets old, and always know what to say. You are my ear and words cannot describe how I could not be more grateful for that.

4. Thank you for sharing

From sharing parents and life to sharing outfits and advice, you have always shared. Even now with your incredibly busy life, you still carve out time and share your time when I need you. Thank you for sharing your home now too, and always letting me come over when I need to get away from it all. You are one of the most generous people I know and have such a giving heart. Thank you.

5. Thank you for being honest

Thank you for always being honest with me. I never have to worry if I can trust you or if you are lying, you always tell me what you think and don't "beat around the bush." You are one of the very few people who don't tell me what I want to hear, but what I need to hear. You don't back down and you call me out when I'm being ridiculous. Thank you, even though I might not initially thank you for it, in the end it is what I really needed.

6. Thank you for always being up for movie nights

Thank you for always being down to cry, laugh, and eat loads of sugar and carbs in sweatpants all while watching the latest romantic movie with no judgement. Every person needs someone to binge watch terrible movies with and thank you for being my person.

7. Thank you for letting me learn from your mistakes

Being the oldest you always had to (and still have to) "test the waters" and try everything first since you are a few steps ahead in life than me. Thank you for letting me learn from things that you tried that didn't work out, so it would be a little easier on me when I faced those obstacles. I have learned so much from you, even though we are on different paths in life now, I still can learn from your experiences and you are always a willing teacher. Thank you for making life a little easier on me.

8. Thanks for supporting me

I know it probably wasn't your favorite thing in the world to go to all my sporting events, academic award ceremonies, inductions, gradations, etc. but thank you for coming anyway. It has always meant so much to know that you support me in the big things and even the little things and that you're proud of me no matter what I do. Thank you for being my #1 fan.

9. Thanks for being my best friend

I know, it's very, very, very, very, cliche, but thank you for being my best friend. I honestly don't remember a life without you, because I have literally never had a life without you. You have and always will be there for me. I trust you completely and always will. Through the thick and thin and whatever life has thrown at me, you've been by my side to pick me up when I'm down and celebrate with me when I'm up. You've seen me at my very worst and at my very best and love me still the same. Thank you.

You're the best. Thank you for being you. It's cool that we were in the same womb.