Growing up with an older brother has its pros and cons. However, the older (and wiser) we become, the greater that pro list grows. If you had told little five-year-old me that one day I would be thanking you for basically being you, I wouldn’t have believed it (which is a total lie since I believed everything you said – the Mars situation is proof). So here’s to a simplified pro and con list of having an older brother.

Being Called Tom's Little Sister

If I had a dollar for every time I would walk in the hallway during middle school and hear that. My eye’s narrowed and my lips thinned every time one of your friend’s called me Tom’s Little Sister. I have a name! The worst was they even knew my name!

Never Having To Be The First

I have to admit, not being the first to go into high school or move away was a real weight lifted off my shoulders. It was nice to know that whenever I had questions you already knew the answers.

Always Teased Me

Sometimes the teasing actually hurts. Most of the time I knew you were kidding and it made me tougher. All that teasing and bullying made me who I am today.

Mom And Dad Thinking What Was Best For You Was Best For Me

However, the downside to being the second child was that sometimes, Mom and Dad forgot that I was my own person. They sometimes got short-term memory loss that I could learn from your mistakes, or wouldn't act the same as you, or what classes were right for you weren’t always right for me.

Being My Go-To Person

When I needed a friend or advice I always turned to you before our parents. You were someone that had a little more experience in the real world than me and always knew what to say to cheer me up.

Car Rides To School

Being the first born means you got your license before and I know you dreaded taken me to school, from golf practice and all over the place, but those car rides were my favorite. Honestly, they were the only reason I went to school was because I got to spend time with my older brother.

Easily Tricked

Disclaimer: PEANUT BUTTER IS NOT MADE OF SHEEP STOMACH! I will never know how you managed to convince me of that and why Sheep Stomach out of everything in the world. Since you were older I believed everything you told me and you obviously took advantage of that occasionally.

Being Sheltered

Not only did I have mom and dad trying to protect me from the “big bad world” I also had you. I knew you had my back no matter what and that nothing would hurt me before my big brother hurt it.