Not everyone is lucky enough to have an older sister. She grew up with you and loved you since before you were born. You might not have realized it when you were younger, but she is the best of many blessings. She is your role model, your supporter, and your best friend. There are so many reasons she is a blessing, but these are some of the highlights.

1. She gives the best advice.

Chances are, whatever you’re going through, she’s been there at one point. She got through it and she’ll help you get through it too.

2. She keeps you in the loop.

If you're out of the house, it can be hard to keep up with the latest family news. As you report to each other, you should be able to piece together all of the extended family news.

3. You always have someone to hang out with on family vacations or at family parties.

Nothing is boring with her. Having her is like being able to have your best friend with you at any family gathering.

4. She was your parents’ tester child.

Your parents raised her first, so they learned all about parenting by raising her. They made their mistakes on her. She took the hits so you wouldn’t have to.

5. Clothes.

When you were younger, you hated wearing her hand-me-downs, but now you gladly accept any clothes she doesn’t want. Shopping in her closet is better than shopping at stores.

6. She created a name for you.

If you went to the same school she did, teachers will always associate you with her. Whether it's hard worker or class clown, it's a prejudgement you'll have to deal with.

7. She will help get you out of trouble.

She’s been there. She knows how to deal with your parents when they’re angry. She’ll tell you when to fess up and when to refrain from disclosing information from your parents. She even will try to talk to your parents in your favor.

8. Someday, you’ll be the cool aunt/uncle.

Nieces or nephews are the best gift. You can play with them and watch them grow up, but you don’t have the responsibility of having your own child. Talk about the best of both worlds.

9. You’re always welcome to crash at her place.

If you need to get out of the house for a night, or you just want someone to hang out with, her place is always a great option.

10. Her friends become your friends.

Being friends with the older kids will always make you seem like the coolest kid on the block.

11. She can always tell who’s a real friend and who’s a fake friend.

Within weeks she’ll be able to tell you if your new best friend is really as great as you think she or he is. Same with boyfriends and girlfriends.

12. She can tell you the best stories.

There are a lot of things she remembers from your childhood that you don’t. She’ll always be able to tell you about the first time she met you and all of the silly things you said as a toddler. She’ll also tell you the stories your parents don’t want to tell you, like when your mom dropped you as a baby or when your dad lost you at the mall.

13. You grew up on your own, but she was always there for you.

You had your own friends and learned your own lessons, but she was always there to help you and teach you what you needed to know.

14. She would do anything to help you.

She would move mountains for you if necessary. She is willing to do anything to help you succeed and to see you happy.

15. She’s more honest than anyone.

She doesn’t have to worry about being honest because, even if she’s too honest and makes you mad, you’re stuck with her.

16. She’s someone to grow old with.

Who needs a spouse when you have your sister? She will be by your side for the rest of your lives. There’s no getting rid of her.

17. She understands your family.

No one else will understand all of the inside jokes or be able to keep track of your huge extended family. It's her family too, so she understands better than anyone else.

18. She is your biggest supporter.

She’s there for you through every high and every low. She will celebrate with you and she will complain with you. She is willing to go out of her way to help you reach your goals.