You don’t mess with sisters. As someone who shares your blood and whose reputation is tangentially linked to your own, you’ll always defend your sister. She knew you before you got cool and still managed to like you. Having a big sister is like having an older best friend who lets you unplug the cord when you’re losing to her in video games. She won’t get jealous of you when you’re succeeding at life, and she won’t judge you when you’re having an off day. Not only does she make family photos look full and lively, she also makes your life more full and lively. Here’s why having a big sister is, by far, the greatest gift your parents ever gave you:

1. She lets you "borrow" her clothes.

Growing up with a sister, it’s like you have 2 closets instead of 1. A little hint for the little sisters out there don’t ask before putting her shirt on, take it and then say “You don’t mind if I borrow this, do you?” since you already have it on she will most likely let you wear it!

2. She can teach you how to do anything.

Growing up I always looked to my sister as a second mom, she would take care of me and help me with anything and everything. With her being older than me she has gone through a lot more ups and downs then I have, and therefore she makes sure I don’t go through those same bad times as her. I will be forever thankful for all she has done for me.

3.She is always a go-to friend.

It doesn’t matter if it’s 3am, 3pm, a rainy day, a snowy day, or a bright sunny summer day your sister will always be your friend. When you are sitting in your room and its 2:30am and your life feels like a complete disaster, who is better to talk to then your sister who has known you since the second you came into this world.

4. You always have someone to run errands or take shopping sprees with.

Obviously running errands isn’t always the most fun, but if you and your big sis hop in the car throw some tunes on and it sure is a great trip. Sometimes those are the memories I remember most with my sister, when we go from jamming out in the car to a clothing store and we point out everything we don’t like and say “You should definitely get this.”

5. She understands you, without you having to say anything.

When you’re in a room full of people and someone makes a stupid comment or a joke, you and your sister can look at each other and without saying a word you know exactly what the other is thinking within seconds. It’s kind of like a twin telepathy thing, except you’re not twins.

6. She gives great advice because she’s been there.

Like I said your big sister has been through more than you, so listen to her advice when she gives it to you. Because you may not want to hear it, but she knows best and she wouldn’t give you advice that she wouldn’t or hasn’t already followed through with. You’re her little sister therefore she doesn’t want you to get hurt (No matter how many times she tries to hurt you.)

7. She’s the person you copy.

She taught you everything you know, from how to tell off that girl at recess to curling your hair. You even copied her old homework and reused her book reports. You actually liked receiving her hand-me-downs because you secretly always thought she was cooler than you.

8. She always listens to my endless complaining.

No matter how many times you complain about your friends, school, work, or that same boy you’ve been complaining about for months; your sister will be the first to pull up a chair and listen for hours no matter how many times you talk in circles.

9. Late night talks.

Nothing feels better then late night talks with your sista. My sister and I could talk for hours, and being away from her at college I’ve realized this is one thing that I miss more than anything. Because late night talks with your best friends at school will never match up to late night talks with your big sister.

10. She tells you what you need to hear.

No matter how bad you don’t want to hear that the outfit you’re wearing doesn’t match, or the boy that you are infatuated with is a bad guy. Your sister will be the first one to tell you the things you don’t want to hear, but need to hear.

Sometimes she annoys you. Sometimes she is overprotective. But for nothing in this world would you give her away. An older sister is precious, and she is one of a kind. I couldn’t be more grateful and thankful to have a sister like mine.