You’ve been a little for a year now and it’s time for you to pretend that you’re responsible and become a big. You’ve searched high and low and found the perfect addition to your family. You bribe her to become your little and there she is on reveal day. Everything will be perfect from now on! Right? Wrong.

1. Littles are expensive     

From little gifts to dinner, ice cream, t-shirts, coffee, and alcohol, littles will put a major dent into your budget. How can you make your sweet new babe pay for Brisoso with her own money? How can you not pick up the tab when you drive through Starbucks? How can you resist getting matching Kate Spade earrings that you’ve had your eyes on? There’s simply no way to say no. So be prepared to be eating ramen for the next few months while acting like your pockets are infinite in front of your little.     

2. Littles are dumb

Sorry if you are now a little, but it’s true. You literally know nothing. We’re not blaming you for anything, I didn’t know anything either, but your complete ignorance as to all things Greek, while endearing, can also be quite difficult. They have no idea where to go on a Friday night, no idea how to find dates for a crush party, no idea how to sign up for a tshirt on the Google doc. And who’s there to explain it all? You. From describing how standards works to explaining what a philanthropy is, your little has questions about everything. Be prepared, and be patient.     

3. Littles are needy             

Yes, they require food and advice on all things, but it goes beyond that. If they need a ride across campus when there is a sudden torrential downpour, you must be there. If their high school ex-boyfriend hooked up with another girl last night, you must be there. If they are sick and need hot soup and a movie night, you must be there. If they have a little too much fun at a party, you must be there to hold her hair and scratch her back. Whatever life you may have had, if your little needs you, those plans do not matter. Your little will always come first, and if she needs you, even that cute boy at TD’s you’ve been eyeing for the past hour will have to wait.    

Overall, littles are not just fun and games. They require a ton of money, food, attention, love, and advice. But they are one of the greatest parts of being in a sorority. Not only do have someone who will love you and think you are perfect for the rest of your life, but you also get to help someone through one of the hardest and most confusing parts of their life. So take it seriously. Its not fun and games, but every minute is worth it.