Being a big sister isn't a choice; at least, not your choice. One day, you're coasting along, the only child of two doting parents. The next, you have another tiny person taking away time and attention. For me, I became a big sister at almost two years old. Even though I wasn't the one responsible for making our family bigger, I would have happily chosen to become a big sister if I had know all the ways it would change my life over the years. Being the oldest of six made me into the woman I am today, and even if you don't have quite as many siblings as I do, here are five inevitable life lessons that all big sisters have to come to terms with.
1. Sharing isn't caring, it's essential.
No matter how much you like the things you have, don't get too attached, because they aren't just yours. Having a younger sister means sharing your toys, your clothes, and for me, your room. When you're an adult, you may not have to spend hours searching for the shirt you want to wear (to later find out your sister is wearing it already), but you will have to come to terms with the fact that things aren't important. Moving away from home and into college doesn't mean freedom, it means sharing with your roommate like her stuff is your own. And if you've grown up with sisters, that won't phase you one bit.
2. It's not all about you.
You learn this one as soon as your younger sibling is brought home from the hospital. Gone are the one-on-one days with Mom and Dad. Gone are the days where you run the show. This is a lesson that everyone needs to know, and only children just don't get the chance.
3. There's always someone watching.
Being the oldest meant that I did everything first. Every sport I played, every test I took, every move I made was watched and analyzed by the five pairs of eyes that expected to follow in my footsteps. Even though this puts the pressure on big time, it also is inspiring. Never forget that someone, somewhere is looking up to you and wants to be just like you one day. Knowing my little brother wants to someday be a firefighter like me makes me try harder, work more and do everything I can to make him proud.
4. You're never alone.
Even if you want to be, you aren't. Family time is all the time, which can get overwhelming sometimes. But, if you ever need anyone, they are there. Day or night, I can call home and get between 1-7 little voices reassuring me and making me laugh. I never have to worry that I am struggling through life alone, because even 900 miles from home, they have my back.
5. Family is everything.
There is nothing more important in this world than the people you love. My family is a cuddly, messy, loud, passionate, fun-loving, unbreakable unit. There is no doubt in my mind that they love me unconditionally, and there is nothing I wouldn't do for any of my siblings.
Although it can be tough being a big sister, the lessons my siblings taught me are invaluable. I am 100% more successful as an adult, because I learned how to be someone others can look up to and respect (and how to never take pictures wearing my sister's clothes so she doesn't know I took them when I moved.)
