I have two brothers, one older and one younger. I don’t have any sisters. And honestly, I would not change that for the world. I firmly believe I would not be the same person I am today without these two guys in my life. Here are a few signs that you grew up with brothers.

1. You can actually have a conversation with a boy.

You do not have a problem talking about football and action movies because you’ve had to do that your entire life. You have been trained to attract boys with your personality instead of your body because you know that is what really interests them. Guys will appreciate your opinions on the NFL draft as opposed to your new nail polish color.

2. All your Barbies tragically lost limbs and hair.

Growing up, you had to deal with the fact that your brothers enjoyed roughhousing and usually did not enjoy conventionally girly games. You learned to forgive and forget the times your toys suffered after epic wars with remote control cars and GI Joes. But I will never forget the time my brother ripped off one of the arms off my Aaron Carter doll.

3. They come to you for girl problems.

No other girl knows these boys quite like you do. And none of your brothers’ friends know how to read girls like you do either. You are the one who will tell it how it is. When a girl breaks your brother’s heart, she not only has to ask for his forgiveness, but for yours too. When a new girl comes around, your brothers ask for your approval before anyone else’s.

4. You know how a boy should treat you.

You have seen these boys go through many relationships. The good, the bad, and the ugly. You have seen their high and low points. These boys have shown you what a real man will do in a relationship and what you deserve. You get to see the other side and get an inside look into the male mind as well.

5. Boys know not to mess with you.

Those guys know you are tough and won’t take any of their crap. You had to put up with your brothers’ crap your entire life. Also, all these other fellas know that if they mess with you they have to deal with your built-in bodyguards in the family. My brothers have my back just like I have theirs.

6. You don’t take things too seriously.

Living with only boys, you learn to take a joke. Sarcasm becomes your second language. And you know how to give it right back to them. You understand that life doesn’t have to be so serious all the time. It is okay to let loose every once in a while. Having fun makes life worth it. My childhood would have been miserable if I didn’t learn to just laugh at all the stupid things my brothers were up to.