We all have that one person in our life who we look at and think... "wow, you are just like me ___ years ago." It may be a blessing or it may be a curse, but either way there is bound to be that person in your life who you just get because you see yourself in them.

So here's to you, whoever you are-

Dear mini-me,

Chances are, you've already been told how alike we are. If not by someone else, probably by me. I hope you don't take offense to this. It's just that I can remember being your age and feeling the way you feel or thinking the way you do. I could even see myself saying some of the things you do. I just wanted to let you know...

First things first, I know that you are (obviously) not me. Just because I call you my mini-me doesn't mean I'm expecting you to do what I do or like what I like, you're still your own person! And we both know that full well. I love you just the way you are, so I hope you don't mind me calling you a miniature version of me because I really do mean it as a compliment.

I'm sorry in advance, because sometimes when I see certain parts of me in you, it makes me want to protect you. It makes me want to be, admittedly, a little overbearing at times because I don't want you to make the mistakes I made. This makes me seem like I'm acting like a mom but it takes a village, right?

We might butt heads sometimes because no people get along 100% of the time. You're just like me, so we both know we have that certain stubborn streak that just won't let us admit when we are wrong. But we'll come around.

I want to help. I want you to come to me to talk about love and annoying kids at school and that class you're struggling in. I want to be able to take you for skip days and complain and laugh together. You're probably one of my favorite people because we get each other, and I know you just need to vent sometimes. I promise to keep your secrets, give advice when needed, and just shut up and listen when needed. I know the whole "been there, done that" thing can get old real quick, but I'm probably just hoping my experience but influence your choices. But even if it doesn't, I'll be ready to help you clean it up if you need me.

Even I have been through the yoga pants and baggy sweatshirts phase, so I'm sorry for trying to convince you to wear jeans. It's out of love.

Actually, most things I do are out of love.

I know you're taller than me but you're younger, so you're still my mini-me.

Even if nobody else thinks your jokes or comments are hilarious, I do. I will always laugh because I think we're pretty funny. And someday there will come a significant other who thinks so too, but I will always get you just a little more than they do.

Thanks for being my sanity at family functions. It's why I always try to sit near you. I love that we can have our own conversations without saying much at all. I also love that you don't tune me out and that you laugh at my not-so-funny jokes.

And finally, mini-me, I hope you know that I get you. And I understand. I promise to have an open mind and to keep our talks judgment free, even if I am judging you for wanting Crocs. I promise to support you and encourage you.

Thanks for being you, mini-me. You rock.

With love always,

Me.