After 21 years of holiday gatherings, back-to-back sleepovers and sharing milestones, we've come to know each other just a smidgen. Having a cousin the same age as you gives you all the sisterly benefits without the arguments over clothes and who can take the car out. Although we go to college roughly 300 miles away from each, there's rarely a day we're not in contact. These are 14 perks about having your cousin as your best friend.

1. They're up to date on family drama.

Get out your popcorn and phone charger because this story about your aunts is going to take all night.

2. You always have someone to socialize with at family parties.

Sharing dessert isn't even a question.

3. You automatically know who your maid of honor will be.

*Patiently waits for the day someone actually gets married*

4. You can call them at any hour and get life advice judgement-free.

"SOS, it's 2:00 a.m. and I'm having a meltdown!"

5. You go through all the stages of life together.

Sweet 16's, graduation, college — you name it, we've done it together.

6. They're like the sister you never had.

All of the secret sharing, none of the room sharing.

7. They're someone who will always have your back.

8. You can share detailed (sometimes embarrassing) life stories that you wouldn't tell anyone else.

"No one knows this but you..." is the start to every single awkward story you tell.

9. They're always down for a sleepover.

10. You always have someone to hang out with on college breaks.

11. You rig Secret Santa every year to pick each other.

The key is to never get caught.

12. You basically have twin telepathy without the identical similarities.

13. You can blow up their phone and they'll always respond to you.

10 texts, two missed calls and a tweet later, you finally answer them.

14. That mutual understanding of missing your grandma's food (shout to Mom-Mom).

Co-written by Samantha Moffat.