They're annoying. They're mean. They're sometimes gross. They're big brothers.

Big brothers are very important. From teaching you how to throw that perfect spiral to teaching you how to shoot that beautiful 3-pointer, he's always going to be there. Even when the two of you can't get along and constantly try to rip each other's hair out, you can't help but to love him anyways. At the end of the day, your big brother is a very important person in your life.

Here are 14 reasons why having a big brother is like the best thing ever:

1. He always has your back.

Even when you break something, he'll blame the cat with you.

2. He'll fight you over the last brownie.

Let's face it, who doesn't love a little competition? Knowing that big brother is always going to be there to try to take what's yours, it keeps you on your toes. Then, if you're lucky, you'll flash him that precious pout and he'll step down.

3. You'll grow up to be tough.

Between your dad and him teaching you how to fight, there's no doubt you'll be one tough cookie when you get older. Plus, he keeps you in shape by picking fights with you just to toughen you up even more.

4. He'll always protect you.

Well, he'll always protect you when others put you down. Whenever someone at school is being mean to you, you can always count on big brother to step in and put them where they belong.

5. You'll look up to him as a role model.

He's older, more wise and more experienced than you are. From liking the same teams to wearing his number on your jersey, you always want to be like him.

6. He's like a third parent.

When mom and dad don't need to know what you've done, you can count on him to lecture you and give you advice as a parent would. Hopefully he'll convince you to not make the same mistake again, or to not make the same mistakes as him.

7. Adventures are more exciting...

And dangerous. Want to ride bikes down a hill as fast as you can with the risk of dying and the last one breathing wins? You got it! Big brother will always challenge you to the most dangerous of dangerous games out there. Then, when you end up crying and he's begging you not to, you'll still cherish the memories.

8. He keeps the truth about Santa a secret.

Even though he doesn't believe in Santa anymore doesn't mean he's going to ruin the magic for you. He'll continue to open those "gifts from Santa" right by your side until you find out the tragic truth.

9. He's just as goofy as you.

Whenever you're watching TV in the living room and you feel the urge to burst out in random goofy freestyle dance moves, he gets it. He'll jump up and do it right along with you.

10. He understands you, sometimes.

There's no explanation needed and no questions asked. Sometimes, he just gets it.

11. Sometimes, he lets you be the hero.

Like, when there's a spider on the ceiling in his room and he screams for you to come help.

12. He's one of your biggest cheerleaders.

No matter what you're doing, he'll always be proud of you and he'll always be there cheering you on. Even if you're more successful than he is, and he's a little bit jealous, he wants to see you succeed and be happy.

13. He has the same favorite actor as you.

He'll never complain when you want to watch Ace Ventura movies over and over again because he has the same love for Jim Carrey as you. He'll pop a squat right beside you and the two of you can have lip sync battles to the lines all day long.

14. He's your best friend.

At the end of the day, you know you can count on him to be there. You love him, and he loves you. You two share a mutual weirdness. He's the one person you can always turn to when you need help, and you can always find a friend in him. Somewhere.

So to all you big brothers out there, just keep doing you!