Despite having fought with my sister an unbelievable amount of times when I was younger, I swear I love her. I think back on all of the arguments that we have had throughout the years and I laugh at them now, knowing that they were stupid, pointless, and that nothing that petty would ever be able to break a relationship like the one that we have now. I live under the same roof as my best friend, and I didn’t realize it until I was old enough to really see how she has always been there for me, though I didn’t even know it at the time.

1. She is a go-to shopping companion.

Whether you just need to pick a few things up from the CVS down the street, or you’re in need of some serious retail therapy, your sister is always down to take the trip with you. She is happy to be your back-up when your friends aren’t available to go with you (and that’s not something that you find in just anyone).

2. She is your biggest fan.

You can always count on seeing her face in the crowd at your soccer games and musical performances. If it meant that she could support you and cheer you on, she would drop anything to do so. She wants you to know that you have someone who cares about you and would be there for you in a split second no matter what.

(Word of warning: sisters have no problem getting a huge cardboard cutout of your head, holding it up, and screaming your name when they come to support you. I know from experience.)

3. She has endured the same family that you have dealt with for your entire life.

Believe it or not, your sister has had to live with the same family as you have for her entire life too (crazy, right?). She has seen the ups and downs that your parents have gone through. She has experienced the grief that comes with losing a family member. She has had to live with the same set of rules that your parents have placed on you. She gets just as frustrated with the rest of your family as you do sometimes. She has had to sit through the same holiday dinners and awkward conversations, and deal with all of the “friendly” bullying and jokes that comes with being a part of your family. She has been, and will always be, right there next to you in those awkward family photos.

4. She teaches you from experience.

You may think that the struggles that you are going through only pertain to yourself. That could not be more far from the truth. More often than not, your sister has gone through the same crappy times that you have, and she is more than willing to share her knowledge and experiences with you. Trust me, you have more in common than you think.

5. She is honest.

“No, I don’t think he’s that cute.” “I am going to be honest with you, I don’t like that dress.” She isn’t trying to be mean when she says these things. Trust me, she is trying to help you. Sometimes, sisters know what is best for you, even when you don’t know yourself. Her words may occasionally sting, however when you want to hear the truth, you should now that your sister has no problem dishing it out to you.

6. She is always there.

Sisters don’t leave each other. They are forever friends, and that is a fact. Even when it feels as though there is no one in the world who cares, your sister will always be there for you when you need her. You can call her at three o’clock in the morning, and you are guaranteed either an answer or a call from her apologizing a billion times and asking what it is that you need.

7. She is a shoulder to cry on.

It doesn’t matter if it is a breakup, a bad grade, or a fight amongst friends. If you are in a bad mood, your sister will somehow always know, and she will be by your side and supporting you until the storm has passed, whatever that storm may be. Somehow, sisters have powers where, when your world is falling apart, she will put the pieces back together and reassure you that everything is going to be OK.

8. She loves you.

I am not saying that you won’t fight with your sister ever again. I am simply saying that no matter how bad that fight is, she loves you. She will be right there next to you through thick and thin, even when you think that you are the most unlovable person in the world. When all else fails, you should know that you can look right next to you and she will be there supporting you in your weakest times. She is the best friend that you have been blessed with having, the person who you know you can run to, and the one who will put you back together when you feel like falling apart. Don’t take that for granted.