If you are like me, you were kind of nervous about getting a Big, but getting one has been the most amazing experience you’ve ever had. Here are the stages of loving your Big:

1. The "Blinded" Love

The weeks after bid day, you find yourself really enjoying the girls in your sorority. Without knowing who your big would end up being, you at least noticed the girl once or twice. I know that I thought to myself, "Well that girl seems pretty cool." Getting a big was one of the scariest things, because I honestly felt like I didn’t know enough people in the sorority for them to match me with someone who I would really mesh with. Boy, would I be in for a treat, because you see, the sorority really knows what they are doing and at this stage in life, all I knew was that whoever my Big would be I would love her unconditionally.

2. The Awkward "I Think I Have To Like You" Love

Big reveal day. I’ve never had so many butterflies in my stomach. Here it was; the day that I would remember forever. Every sorority reveals who their Big is differently, but for that Big/Little couple, that is a moment they will always remember. When my big turned around and I ran into her arms, I had 3,000 emotions running through my head. Even though I had only talked to this girl two or three times, I knew I was connected to her. The few days after reveal day we texted, trying to get to know each other a little bit. Like every relationship, it was a little awkward at first.

3. The "OK, This Girl Might Be Cool" Love

After those first couple of weeks, it became apparent that my Big was exactly like me. We started to hang out more, ended up being in the same chemistry class, and bonded over the dumbest things. How could I not love someone that was just like me?

4. The "Mom" Love

I go to college about 75 minutes away from my hometown; so leaving my mom and dad was a little hard. One role that my big took on without even realizing it was becoming a mom figure. My mom is and will always be my mom, but sometimes it is hard to communicate with her when she isn’t around every day. My Big is the one that I can vent to about anything. She is the one that will knock me back down to size just like my momma would. She’s my number one supporter in all the crazy things I decide to take on. I miss my momma very much, but I can now find a little peace knowing that I have someone who will look out for me as my momma would.

5. The "Summer Away" Love

I only live 75 minutes away, so I figured that seeing my big over the summer wasn’t going to be that hard. Boy was I wrong. I had to work really hard to hang out with her. Either I was working or she was working, but, we made it work. I realized that a bond you make with someone only goes away when you don’t try. We both tried and that is why our bond is still so strong.

6. The "I Can't Live Without You" Love

I’m finally back at school and can see my big all day, every day if I want to. I can’t wait to make more memories with her this year. I really can’t remember the day when she wasn’t one of my best friends. I think we can all relate that your big is your person and that she is one of the biggest blessings to your life. I know if it wasn’t for my Big and her influence on my life, I probably wouldn’t even be in a sorority anymore.

One day I hope that I can be half the Big that she is to me. To my Big, thank you for all you do for me. I love you more than you will ever know. Never let anyone steal your smile. Stay perfect Biggie!