My entire life my older, only brother has been my best friend. We’re only a year apart so we’ve always had the same group of friends and shared most experiences together. He is everything anyone could ask for in a friend but also annoys me to no end. I can tell you for sure that I always forget to appreciate my brother and our friendship, and after writing this, I’m probably going to send him a sappy text telling him how much I love him. There are countless stories I could tell about our friendship and why I’m so grateful for it. Here are a few reasons why your sibling being your best friend is the best thing that could ever happen to you, and the best thing that ever happened to me.
1. They are the number one source of your pain and frustration.
I can’t tell you the number of times my brother has almost broken me from the games he plays or from accidentally closing the door on my fingers (twice actually). We used to fight and wrestle, the game ending with me whining about how he forgot I’m 100 pounds. We also hurt each other when we’re angry (he could tell you about how 10-year-old me bit him on the back because he wouldn’t give me a toy). At least you always know that by the end of it, you will forgive each other and can always hurt them back just as much.
2. Easily, they are your confidant when it comes to lying to your parents.
It’s like you’ve formed a pact at birth with your sibling because you somehow always know when it’s time to cover for them. Whether it’s sneaking out, lying about where you’re going, or just wanting to stay out later, my brother and I have always had each other’s backs. Maybe sometimes, because they got you in trouble before, you decide not to and you get your revenge. But by the time that’s all over, you know they’ve got your back anyway and you might as well stick together since you’re basically stuck with them for life.
3. You have literally the best inside jokes because they’ve experienced everything with you.
No one makes me laugh as much as my brother does. I will never say anyone is funnier than he is because no matter the situation, he has me in tears by the end. We can say one word to each other and die laughing because it reminds us of some story we heard years ago. Along with all of this, you and your sibling have the same sense of humor and can laugh at your parents and family members because you see them all of the time.
4. You never feel awkward in any situation (like those terrible visits to your aunt’s house who neither of you have ever met).
You know those family members that tell you how much you’ve grown up since the last time they saw you? And you know you’ve never seen them before in your life? Yeah, those awkward situations would be way worse if you didn’t have your sibling with you. During and after these situations, you can rant about how awful it was, but also laugh at how your aunt had lipstick on her teeth the entire afternoon.
5. Somehow, you have sibling telepathy.
It may sound crazy, but I swear this is a thing. My brother and I somehow always know what we think about a someone or something. If we’re in the middle of being lectured by our parents, we know the right thing to say to save each other from punishments and get out of that terrible situation. We also know if something’s bothering one of us and we immediately interrogate each other to find out what’s up.
6. You always have someone to talk to who will be honest with you 10/10 times.
Now that I’m away at college, I feel strange being away from my brother. Trust me, I’ve cried many times because I missed him so much and I have a little ball in my throat writing about it right now but I know that at any time of the day I can call him, FaceTime him or text him and I know he’ll be there. We’ve helped each other through everything: relationships, friendships, homework, sickness. Siblings also will always tell you exactly how it is and what you need to set you on the right path. Who else can help you figure out your life than the person who’s known you for the majority of it? It’s hard to be away from your best friend for so long, but it’s also comforting to know you can laugh and cry about the same things miles apart from each other.
7. They’ve seen you at your worst and best and love you anyway.
One thing’s for sure, I’m the ugliest crier on planet Earth. My brother’s seen way worse and he has still managed to not be utterly disgusted by me. With your sibling as your best friend, you can count on them to help you through your worst days and celebrate your best days. They’ll support you and love you no matter what (as if they have a choice).
