Over the years people have come and go, I have lost friends and I have gained friends, I have achieved and I have failed, but through it all remained my cousins. My gaggling, loud, over the top cousins who have showed me what true friendship really is. I have been shot by BB guns, experienced One Direction concerts, and even gone on strike with a parade of toy drums thanks to you. Though going on strike was humorous and earned us a sleepover, you have all given me so much more so for that I thank you. Cousins are among the greatest blessings in life, and there is no denying that.

They know everything about you.

There is no hiding from your cousins, they know everything about you, your true authentic self. They know about how you would only wear this one tank top during the whole summer of 2007, which is now referred to as “the summer tank top”, and they know about the time you broke your arm on Halloween for nothing other than your costume was Superman so you thought it could make you fly (right into a tree that is, which resulted in said broken arm), but they also know how strawberry frosted donuts are your favorite, and if you are having a bad day just what will cheer you up.

They are the only person who understands how crazy your family really is.

Often times, I find myself telling a story to my friends about my family but then stopping half way through because I realize how crazy I sound. There is not a single person on this earth who will understand the crazy nature of your family, or how sometimes all you can do is sit back and laugh with your eyes wide open in awe at what is happening in front of you quite like your cousins does.

All of your friends know your cousin.

This is probably because you’re consistently telling stories and talking about them non-stop. It has gotten to the point now where you can just refer to them by their first name and everyone will know who you are talking about. Ironically enough your friends have also become friends with your cousins, they follow each other on social media, and will interrupt your FaceTime to talk to them.

You live far enough away from them that you have your own personal space but that doesn’t matter because you are with them 24/7.

Cousins are different than siblings because while you love your siblings to death you can’t escape them (no, I really mean that, I love my siblings to death but when my younger brother thinks he is a karaoke star and lets all of Litchfield County know it I consider my options and running away is at the top of the list). This is probably why your relationship is so strong, you can hangout with your cousin all day and then go back home to your own personal space, wake up and see them again bright and early the next day. Unless of course it is over the summer when you spend weeks at a time sleeping over their house.

If you are getting annoyed with your friend group, or roommate, or boyfriend, they will always be there, and always have your back.

No matter what situation you find yourself in you can always rely on the love and support from your cousin. They are just a phone call and a text away. Getting a text at 1am reading nothing but “facetime?” is all too familiar and it makes you happy because you know that they need you just as much as you need them. The second something happens they are the first person you reach out to because you know that they will calm you down, talk you through it, and make you laugh.

Your friendship with your cousin is the first and longest friendship you have ever had.

The very first friend you have ever made was your cousin. They were the first person you ever wanted to hangout with, the first person you begged to have sleepovers with, and the first person you shared all your secrets with. For as long as you can remember they were right by your side through it all, from trying to pull all nighters, going to get your licenses together, and vacations on tropical islands they were your right hand man, your go to.

They will be around forever/

Though you don’t have much of a choice, you goons will be around forever. We are more than just family we are friends, friends who are family. Thank you for the endless laughs and crazy memories. Thank you for inviting me to your operas, yelling at me for not giving you a hug goodbye, and having my back no matter what. I love you all now and forever.

I have been blessed enough to have a cousin who serves as my best friend. Thank you for always being my number one fan, my life support, and showing me what love really is. Thank you for sharing your house with me and making it my second home (and also thank you for sharing your bed because we all know I take over that when I sleepover, which is quite often). Thank you for allowing me to crash your family vacations and accompanying me on mine. Thank you for loving me through my side ponytail phase and continuing to go on Hibachi dates with me even though it gave you food poisoning that one time. I love you to the moon and back. Love always, your cousin EO.