Growing up, my older sister was more than just family to me. She was my best friend and my biggest role model. She helped shape me into the person I am today and is still constantly giving me advice and teaching me valuable lessons. Sometimes, however, I take for granted all the valuable things that my older sister has done for me, and I'm sure I'm not the only younger sister who is guilty of this. Whether it's taking us out on lunch dates or giving us the advice we need to hear, us little sisters are beyond thankful for the older, cooler person we get to call our big sis.

1. Knowing what's best for us, even when we don't realize it.

Whether it's boy problems, friendship issues, or something as simple as the outfit you're wearing, your sister will always give you her honest opinion. You may not like her answer, but you know she is giving you the best advice out of her love for you. Whatever issue you're having, your sister more than likely has already gone through the same thing, and the fact that she is sharing some of her wisdom with you is one of the best aspects of sisterhood.

2. Having a best friend within your own house.

Older sisters are the greatest because they also double as your best friend. They have your back through anything, are always their to listen to you, and are down for spontaneous decisions with you. The best part of all this is that your best friend gets to live in the room right next to yours.

3. Being patient with you.

Even though you probably got annoying coming into your sister's room and constantly bugging her and all her friends, your sister was patient with you and always tried her best to be kind. More than likely there were days when your sister was stuck babysitting or driving you around rather than doing what she really wanted to do. However, she never got mad at you for the situation she was in, and that deserves a huge thank you.

4. Going through scary experiences first so you don't have to.

Your older sister is the very definition of "Been there, done that". Any major life milestones that you were anxious about can most likely be resolved by asking your sister about her own personal experiences. Once again, proving that your sister's wisdom is truly priceless.

5. Blessing you with all of her hand-me-downs.

The days my sister would call me into her room and say "This doesn't fit me anymore. Do you want it?" were always near and dear to my heart. For some reason, your sister's clothes are just always cooler than your own. So her offering up her precious wardrobe was always a big deal.

6. Loosening Mom and Dad up for you.

You know firsthand that parents really are stricter when it comes to their first child. Your older sister probably had to deal with stricter curfews, worse punishments, and far more freak outs from your parents than you ever did. So next time you come home after curfew and you receive so much as a slap on the wrist, go thank your sister for all her hard work.