Living with a twin can be interesting sometimes. You say the same things and people freak out, you know when the other isn't doing so hot, and you have something close to a sixth-sense when it comes to each other's feelings. For the past 19 years, I've had a best friend in my twin brother. As badly as I wish I could be clever and give you 19 thank-you's for 19 years, I'm not that good. So, here are 7 that I don't tell you enough.

1. For knowing how to cheer me up

When life gets rough, you somehow know the magical words to say to get that smirk out of me, and then turn it into to laughter that makes my stomach hurt. I love that we’re opposites in the way that we handle stress, and I’m glad that I have you around to help me with everything that comes my way.

2. For being the funniest human I know

Seriously, where did you get your sense of humor? Why did I not get those genes?! You can make an entire room erupt in the loudest laughter anyone has ever heard, and you have such a light-hearted presence about you that I wish I could attain. Your wit is quicker than blinking, dude. I admire the smile that’s constantly on your face, and it makes me happy seeing that when I can.

3. For protecting me from the bad guys

Second only to mom, your opinion on boys is probably the most important in my life. I’ve trusted you to successfully protect my heart from the jerks who have come and gone, and, well, so far so good. Thanks for giving me the reality checks I need when it comes to all the “kootie-filled boys” that might try to hurt me. You and mom make a good team!

4. For being honest with me

Oh, the many fashion mistakes I could have been making had it not been for you telling me that my outfits looked like crap. I’d like to think that my style is pretty much yours at this point, but, ya know, feminine. More importantly, you’ve always had a way of making me realize when I need to be more realistic about life.

5. For teaching me to be strong without you

Last year when you were fighting the worst battle anyone can imagine, I was left behind at home while you got treatment in a different state. Through those several months, I learned how to live on my own, and take care of your spoiled-to-death cat while I was at it. I felt guilty, because I wasn’t the twin that had cancer, I was just the senior trying to graduate. Obviously, I realized that my state of mind was totally justifiable, and then I quickly understood that I wouldn’t live in the same house as you forever. It made me cherish our time together even more. Now with a year of college under our belts, it’s easier to come home to your empty room, or not having to make two bowls of ramen noodles when I visit. I know you never meant to teach me this lesson, but I’d still like to thank you for showing me that my fight was just as important as yours. I’ll always miss the times that I’m not goofing off with you, but it’s become more and more bearable as the months go by.

6. For having the best answers to the obvious twin questions

Every twin knows what I’m talking about here. The “Are you guys identical?”, “You’re related?!”, and “You look nothing alike though!”. Let me tell you that my brother has had the most creative ways of answering these people, whether it be stories of alien abductions or just straight up sarcasm. I’m always ready for what will come out of his mouth when someone asks these questions to us- it’s a new form of entertainment.

7. For letting me embarrass you

Whether you know it or not, I talk about you to my friends approximately 5 times a day. I’m sure they know your entire life story by now, but I can’t help it! I just think you’re the coolest person ever, and I can’t stop bragging about your accomplishments. It’s different not having you at the same school anymore, where we had the same friend group that already knew everything going on in our lives. Thanks for letting me embarrass you from a distance through Facebook posts and proud-sister texts...and an entire article about you. They’ll never stop, so don’t get your hopes up.

Thanks for being the person I always need, and letting me come to you with everything. I can’t imagine a better person to have in my life than you, brother. I love you!