I’ve always kinda loved the saying “You can’t pick and choose your family.” Primarily because it’s both comical and not; there are family members that I love more than life and then there are ones I could most definitely do without. Because they’re my family, I love them. There’s one person in particular that I do everything with—one person that I trust and love above most everyone else. I tell her all of my deep, dark and dirty secrets. She’s one of the most beautiful, trustworthy, attitude-filled people I’ve ever met. She’s my cousin. These are 10 things you know if your cousin is your best friend.

1. There are absolutely no boundaries.

This was always one of my favorite things growing up. She and I would spend almost all of our childhood together, so there was no such thing as privacy. We showered together, ate together, hell we even pooped together. “I gotta tell you something, come to the bathroom with me.” Yes, ma’am.

2. They are the most trustworthy friend you will ever have.

Because they are also family, they have your best interest at heart. She has never gone behind my back, told my secrets, or tried to hurt me. She is the sole person I trust with everything, ever.

3. They won’t ever try to tell you what you want to hear.

I am actually super grateful for this. Most of my other friends sugarcoat things because they think It’s what I want to hear. My cousin will not do this. I know that if I go to her, she’s going to tell me exactly what she thinks. Whether I want her opinion on what I should say to a guy or if I’ve royally screwed something up, she’s always going to give it to me straight.

4. You can be together every day and not get tired of each other.

This is pretty much us. I see her almost every day, and every day I get excited to see her all over again. She is quite literally one of my favorite people in the world. I’m an inherently grumpy human, so this is actually a major thing for me. I treasure my alone time, but being with her is better.

5. Fights do occasionally happen, but never for more than a few days.

I hate fighting with her. I detest it. I will do anything I can do avoid hurting her or going behind her back. There are times when I’ve messed up and I’m sorry for that. We can both be monumental assholes, but that’s okay.

6. They’re the ultimate person to go to when you’re sad.

This human knows me better than any other. I am completely myself in her presence. Sometimes she’s the only person I know that understands my pain. Seeing her cry destroys my heart. She has been through more in just 19 years than anyone else I've ever met. She deserves happiness more than anything else. If I’m sad, she knows exactly how to handle me and vice versa.

7. They’re the first person your S.O. meets.

You are the first person I want guys to meet. They have to pass your inspection before anything else happens. Your approval of my person is pretty much a huge factor in whether I’m with someone or not. You have a scary knack of knowing when someone is good for me and when they aren’t.

8. You can sit for hours and do absolutely nothing.

Seriously, not even talk. For hours.

9. They will always come to your defense.

I’ve protected her my whole life. I am extremely protective of her. I’m usually always the first person she comes to when she has issues because I’ve had a very extensive history of doing my best to shut people down that think they can come into her space. Mess with her and there is 100% chance you’ll have to deal with me as well.

10. You know that, no matter what, this person is stuck with you for life.

No matter what happens, you’re always going to be my best friend. My family. I love you.