If you have a fairly large family like I do (17 cousins on my mom's side) it can be hard to be close to your cousins, especially if they're either a lot older than you, or if you're one of the only boys/girls. I was blessed with some fellow female cousins on my mom's side. The ones I am closest to are younger than me, ranging in age from 12-18. If you have been similarly blessed, you will relate to these 10 reasons to love your younger cousins (even though there are surely more than 10):

1. You grew up with them.

From womb to tomb, as they say. I can still vividly remember when we were super young and my cousin and I would put on each other's clothes in an attempt to convince our parents that we were the other person. Even if your cousins are too young to have known you as a toddler, you have memories of them as babies.

2. They make you excited for family gatherings.

Don't get me wrong, family gatherings are usually really fun. But I'm not sure who I would talk to and have fun with if it wasn't for my cousins. If they aren't there, I have to try to awkwardly insert myself into the boring conversations that the grown-ups are having...ew.

3. They keep you young.

There's this weird mix of youth and adulthood that you experience when you're with your younger cousins. I feel young because at 20 years old, I still happily sit at the "kids table" and find myself reverting to more childish ways. However, I still feel old, because I usually am one of the oldest.

4. They're like sisters and best friends all in one.

I don't have any sisters, so the fact that my younger cousins can feel like sisters to me is so great. It gives me a taste of what sisterhood is like, and the fact that I can truly be myself around them and tell them pretty much anything is just like I am with my best friends.

5. Even if you don't see them all that often, it means so much when you do get to see them.

I have a couple cousins in Massachusetts, and I really wish I could see them more often. But at the same time, it just makes it so special when I finally do get to see them and catch up with their lives.

6. They make you laugh like no one else.

Whether my cousin Elena is teasing me about my very first crush from fifth grade (she won't let it go and claims I'm still in love with him) or my cousin Ciara is spending an inordinate amount of time making little music videos, I'm always laughing with these goofballs.

7. They inspire you and teach you things.

I've definitely learned a lot from my cousins, and I love hearing things about their life and what they want to do when they're older. They're all so intelligent and capable of incredible things.

8. You love watching them grow into beautiful individuals.

I can still remember when my youngest cousin, who is now 12, was just a baby. I've seen her grown into a funny, kind, and loving young lady. It is such a joy to watch these kiddos grow up...it just keeps getting better and better.

9. They'll do random stuff with you.

Whether it be having a photoshoot or trying to go onto the roof of a hotel (didn't work out, don't worry), there's never a dull moment.

10. You have a bond that is unique and one-of-a-kind.

Ain't nobody ever gonna bring you guys down.