Dedicated to my 14-year-old brother:

Thank you for being you. I know you didn't get the choice in being my younger brother, but you're doing a great job and I can't imagine my life without you. I don't like to make blanket statements, especially when I know I've been lucky, and not everyone gets as awesome a younger brother as you. However, just this once, I'd like to point out your wonderful qualities and emphasize why any girl with a younger brother like you should consider you her #1 Valentine every day of the year.

You're younger brother should always your #1 Valentine because...

1. He’s the one who will be there to complain to about your parents’ unfair rulings.

2. He’ll be enthused to sled or hang out inside with you when there's a blizzard happening outside your window.

3. He’s willing to explore new places with you and try new things when you’re away on vacation.

4. He gives the best hugs.

5. He listens sincerely and gives the most genuine advice.

6. He lets you pick the TV show you watch, even if it's tailored for teenage girls.

7. He’ll stick up for you and stay in your corner when your parents suspect you’ve done something wrong.

8. He forgives you, no questions asked, trusts you unconditionally, and continues to cover for you even after you’ve ratted him out to your parents.

8. Just to humor you, he tolerates and forces a smile (followed by an eye roll and face palm) when you purposely sing horribly.

9. He thinks you're beautiful even when you have bedhead, morning breath, and no makeup on.

10. He roots for you at your extracurricular events regardless of whether you’re the best one there.

11. He patiently teaches you how to do the activities he loves, and celebrates with you as you improve. He doesn’t care that you’re making a fool of yourself trying, he’s just happy you care about him enough to try.

12. He actually cares about how your day went and wants to hear about it.

13. He'll always take your side and let you rant about boys or anything else.

14. He'll be there to go on a Valentine's Day date with you, and make you feel like the luckiest sister alive, no matter the circumstances.

Thank you, Alex, for everything. Any girl would be lucky to have you <3