Back in the day when your parents told you that you would have a younger sibling, did you ever imagine it being a stinky little brother? Oh, how tragic it was hearing that you would have to divide the attention from your parents with another human. It felt like you were being alienated from the societal norms of the family because everything now was surrounded around this tiny human with baby food smeared on his face.

But, unlike we thought, this strange new creature we call little brother didn’t turn out to be so bad. He, and Dad of course, turned out to be our first love. Here are seven reasons why:

1. We always had someone to go on spontaneous adventures with.

Even if you were the most girly girl amongst them all, your little brother brought out the tomboy deep rooted inside of you. From indoor pillow forts, to bike rides up the street, to thrilling jumps off of the swing-set in mid-air, you guys were the much younger and much cooler Batman and Robin. The adventure never stopped, and you never stopped the adventure.

2. He did girly things with us too… Whether he liked it or not.

Little brothers were not only good for outdoorsy or adventurous activities, they were also too young to realize that playing dress up or playing with dolls wasn’t a typical boy pursuit. With red lipstick smashed onto their lips and their hair matted down with gallons of hairspray, their young minds had no idea. Moms had quite the laugh taking pictures of our brothers in girl’s clothing, painted nails, and dolls in hand. Eventually our brothers grew up and traded the Barbie doll for a football. At least there’s photo evidence. Thanks Mom!

3. You were always their biggest fan, and you still are.

Boys are notorious for their involvement. Whether it be a musical instrument, the typical sport, or academics, our brothers have got some serious talent. Of course as an older sister, we absolutely cannot keep ourselves from being their biggest fan. We go to every game, every competition, and any/every opportunity we have to support our best friend. Even if our brother is the worst one out of the team or loses every competition, they’re the best in our rose-colored-sister-glasses. They’re literally number one in our eyes.

4. He showed you how a boy should really treat you.

Even if he hates to admit it, your little brother adores you. So naturally, he treats you well. He unconditionally loves you and always knows how to make you laugh so hard your stomach hurts. You two are two peas in a pod—you have the best times together in the most memorable of ways. He would do anything for you even if he is reluctant to reveal he cares. So, your little brother sets the ultimate example for how a boyfriend or husband should treat you: with respect, kindness, love, and a large amount of sarcasm.

5. He won’t sugarcoat anything.

When you’re being a typical over-dramatic girl and won’t stop talking, your little brother will tell you when you’re being ridiculous. He will always give you an unbiased opinion on what you need to know but nobody else will tell you. You can always count on him.

6. He will insult you all day long, but he won’t let anyone say a word of negativity on your behalf.

I don’t know about you guys, but my little brother will let insult after insult roll off of his tongue, with love of course. When it comes to others insulting me, however, he will always put them in their place. It’s the typical, “nobody can talk bad about my sister but me” in action.

7. He is your automatic forever friend.

It does not matter the type of relationship you have with your little brother, he will always be your friend. Whether you fight like cats and dogs or get along perfectly, you guys will always be friends.

All in all, your little brother was there for you from the start. He is one of the best guys in your life and always will be.Tell your little brother you love him this Valentine’s Day because he is really the best.