Dear Baby Sister,

Even though you’re 16, in high school, and going on dates, you’re still my little sister…and let’s be real, you always will be. Since that spring day in April when you were born and I hid behind the room-dividing curtains, to the day you stand beside me at my wedding and I next to you during yours, and up until the day we die, you will forever be my little sister. My mini-me, my sister, my pain in the butt, my favorite person in the world, and my best friend, here are a couple of things that I hope help keep your spirits high and your attitude positive as you grow older and face new hardships in life. As the older sister, it is my responsibility (and unofficial law) to make sure you are prepared for everything you face in life.

You Are Beautiful

You are unique and beautiful in so many ways, and please don’t let anyone tell you anything different. In today’s society it’s so easy to get wrapped up with the media and how we should look, that we lose ourselves to the monster that we created ourselves. We have all become so brainwashed with the idea of perfection and beauty that comparing ourselves to models and celebrities who are photoshopped and airbrushed is normal to us. Never look at the girl next to you and wish that your stomach were as flat as hers. Never look at that girl and think that you need to starve yourself or that you need to work out excessively in order to be that skinny. Honestly, not looking at other girls is probably your best bet in life. Kidding! On a real note, always remember that you are your own biggest enemy and your biggest bully…no one views you the way that you view yourself. You are perfectly imperfect and you are a gift from God. Take care of yourself and always wear a smile. May you never feel less than your beautiful self, little sis.

Take Your Time

Take your time when it comes to making decisions and when it comes to dating. Deciding which classes to take, which colleges to apply to, which college to attend, what extracurricular activities to take part in, and even deciding what music to put on your iPhone, take your time and weigh all of your options. All of these require time and thought because in the end, all of your choices reflect on you and the person you are.

Little sister, please promise me to take your time when choosing which boys to date and which boys you bring home to Mom and Dad. You are beautiful and you deserve to be treated like you are. There will be boys that will try taking advantage of you, especially because you are so beautiful, but always remember that you are worth so much more than how they are treating you. You do not owe anything to anyone…specifically when it comes to dating and having sex. Take your time and really think about what you are doing, how it will affect you, your friends and family, and ask yourself if you are truly happy and ready. No boy, no relationship, and no sex will ever be worth risking your happiness and your future for.

My Promise to You

My beautiful baby sister, my promise to you is that I will always be here for you. Regardless of where we are in the world, what we choose to do with our lives, and if you ever decide to return my clothes (ha), you can count on me as someone to talk to, a shoulder to cry on, a best friend to laugh with, and your big sister. I will never judge you for the outfits you buy at the mall, the boys you want to date, or the mistakes you make. We all make mistakes and one of my wishes for you is that you learn from the ones that I have made. You deserve a lifetime of happiness and respect and I truly hope that you get nothing less that that.

I love you, baby sis. Forever and ever, G!