My big sister is the built-in best friend that I never thought to ask for, but I'm beyond grateful I did.
To this day my sister and I aren't joined at the hip, and I don't speak to her everyday, but my sister is still one of my closest friends. Growing up we saw things differently, but as I grew up and saw my sister go through life with a confidence still unrivaled, I realized she was the one person who I could count on to pick me up when I'm sad and tell me to deal with it and move on.
My sister believes in tough love with just a touch of sympathy. She has been through hardships unimaginable to some and she knows that it is possible to move on. I look up to my sister more than I look up to any other person.
1) She never fails to put me in my place.
My sister and I have had very different upbringings because we lived with separate parents during the divorce. She has this persona that screams bad ass while I sometimes have the persona that says I'm spoiled. So when I tend to come off as righteous she has no problem telling me I'm wrong and need to grow up. She's helped me realize that my petty problems pale in comparison with others.
I thank my sister for keeping me humble and grounded.
2) She'll never say I look good when I don't.
I remember one time and I was probably 6 or 7, my mom bought me these bright orange pants from Limited Too. I decided to wear them with a red shirt and I remember clearly my sister looking at me with the wisdom of a 12 year old, saying "Who threw up on you?" I may or may not have cried, but I definitely tried hard to impress my sister with my fashion sense following that moment.
I thank my sister for not letting me leave the house looking like a rainbow.
3) She taught me how to have fun.
My sister had moved out of the house by the time I was in high school, but that didn't stop her from being the best big sister. She never hesitated to pick me up if I was in trouble somewhere, and luckily she never asked questions. She never failed in making sure I was the kid at the party with the hook up and she always made sure I had a safe way home.
So, thank you for always making sure I had fun while still being responsible.
4) She was always patient with me and never pushed.
She let me come to her when I was ready to talk about something and she was always patient. She knew if I lied and she would call me out but would never force the truth until I was ready.
I thank my sister for being understanding and being there for me when I need her.
5) She's the responsible one.
I've watched my sister the past few years since she decided to live on her own and I am so honored to call her my sister. She always remembers birthdays, holidays and even her bills. She makes it seem so effortless even though I've heard her say otherwise. She's the responsible sibling out of my large dysfunctional family and for that I commend her for being able to stand by herself and not ask for help.
6) She taught me how to cook.
My sister made the best strawberry pie in the world. I used to be able to eat a whole pie in one sitting and not think twice about it. She has all sorts of recipes that are to die for and when she speaks about what she made for dinner the night before I can feel my mouth watering.
So thank you big sister for teaching me how to be a great wife one day.
7) She has the best dating advice.
Big sisters are perfect for dating advice, my sister is 5 years older than me and has been through everything I have. Any question or concern I have I can ask and she will answer no questions asked. She's always had an unworldly insight on how I should handle my relationships.
So thank you big sister for helping me not seem as awkward as I really am in front of a guy I really like.
8) She gave me rides.
When you're 13 years old and you're tired of being at home all day during the summer, a big sister with a car is a lifesaver. My big sister would do everything she could to make sure I wasn't dying of boredom at home over summer break. She would be the chaperone for dates and even take me to midnight premieres of movies during the school week. What was awesome about her being my ride for most things is that I always looked like I hung out with older kids since my sister usually took me everywhere.
9) She's my sidekick on dysfunctional family vacations.
There were so many vacations where all I wanted to do was scream at some members of my family but luckily she was the one to calm me down and we just talked amongst each other. She keeps me sane and provides insight on how I might keep my sanity when she isn't around. To this day we usually pair up on vacations and do our own thing and we've basically got it down to an art on how to handle any situation on a vacation.
So thank you for always being my sidekick/mentor.
So thank you big sister for always being my life guru and also being someone I look up to and strive to mimic. I love you and I'm glad I get to call someone like you my big sister.
Love always,
Your little sister.
