The bonds between siblings can be some of the strongest in life. As the youngest of four, I can say that my siblings are some of my best friends. As much as we all get on each other's nerves, at the end of the day, we all secretly would do anything for one another.
The perks of having older (not necessarily wiser) siblings are endless. Since day one, they were there to teach you the ropes for just about anything life threw at you, whether that was learning how to walk or learning how to deal with mom and dad. Even now, they're probably the first few people you turn to with a problem or a dilemma. Cheers to you, older sibs, here's just a few items on the long list of things to thank you for.
1. For keeping the sibling rivalry alive.
The stupid fights we have and who is in the right may seem crucial in the heat of the moment, but we all laugh at them down the road. Unless, of course, you were the one in the right.
2. For being weird with me.
Thanks for always being weird with me in any situation and not judging. Shout out to those people staring at us dancing in the car, we're more fun.
3. For having life achievements to look up to.
After growing up hearing about all of your accomplishments and achievements, I was able to set similar goals for myself, and you all were right nearby if I ever needed help achieving them. Proud of you all, thanks for being some great motivators.
4. For your awesome music repertoire.
All of your friends question why I know all the words to the most obscure songs. Thank you, older siblings, for showcasing your wide range of music tastes, including those questionable early '90s smash hits.
5. For ways to handle mom and dad.
With older siblings, I have access to years of knowledge in how to handle any and every situation with mom and dad. Thanks to all of you, I have my very own guides to help me navigate what will be accepted and what will be rejected.
6. For an endless stream of hand-me-downs.
From childhood toys to clothes to books to dorm accessories, you all never let me fall short when it comes to any item under the sun, from when I was born until now.
7. For telling me to appreciate all family events.
Older siblings are your personal advice givers when it comes to handling your large, loud, extended family. Because of them, you've learned to love every family gathering that occurs and also know what topics to avoid conversing about with which family members.
8. For teaching me how to take a joke.
Sibling teasing has been and will always be very real and very apparent. You can attribute your thick skin to the sarcastic jokes and backhanded compliments lovingly given to one another throughout the years.
9. For always having my back.
As much as we tease and make fun of one another, we really do all have each other's backs. Whether it's defending one another, supporting one another, giving advice to one another, or just hanging out with one another, we're always there for each other.
10. For being my best friends.
At the end of the day, your older siblings are the ones that know the most about you - both the good parts and the bad parts. You've lived under the same roof for years and know one another's habits and quirks. You know how to get on each other's nerves. Don't worry about sibling rivalry, they all know the younger you are in the family, the more favored you are.
These people are your siblings and your best friends and you wouldn't have it any other way. Thanks for being some great people.
