Growing up, I never believed them. Every time I heard that you and I would be best friends, we’d both walk away rolling our eyes with doubt. I can guarantee you always added a “that will never happen”, too.

We fight a lot. About everything; what you can and can not borrow, what time to leave for school, what do we want for dinner, if it's your turn or mine to do the dishes, and so on. Most of them are caused just because you're just trying to prove a point that I can't get everything that I want or that the world doesn't revolve around me. Anything that can be an argument, we make it one.

You and I are so different. We butt heads and never see each other's side. I'm reckless and carefree, sometimes selfish and stuck up. You're a natural caretaker and always worrying about everyone's problems. You'll worry about a spider's feelings as I'm about to squish it. I'm loud, and yes I will admit it, enjoy being the center of attention. You're quiet and keep everything bottled up.

We’re too different to ever be best friends.

But I was wrong.

No matter how many times we argue or how much I piss you off, the moment I call you, you will be there for me. If I'm crying, you show up and lay next to me. You hold me and give me a thousand kisses on my forehead until I can explain what's wrong. If I'm mad, you'll show up with a shovel in your hand and laugh as you ask "what did he do?". You go out of your way to pick me up or drop me off, having your keys in your hand when my poor planning results in a need for a ride. Little or big, you're always there for me.

I wouldn't be who I am today if you weren't the person you are. I'd be more selfish and conceited. I wouldn't care as much or love as deeply. I would never put other people first. Watching you, I notice that you're selfless. You love the way Mom loves and you always put other people first. You're hard working and independent. You're strong and tough. Being different makes us argue more, but I watch you and hope to be more like you one day.

Once, Mom made this new dish for dinner. She was so proud of it that we couldn't break her heart and tell her it was horrible. From across the table, we looked at each other, smirked, and chugged a whole gallon of milk trying to finish it. We even told her it was really delicious. (Our mistake because she made it again!) Without saying a word, you always know what I'm thinking. You'll burst out laughing and swear we were supposed to be twins. We would annoy everyone else in the room because they would have no clue what's going on. The best memories I have from life are with you, just laughing.

We’re still not perfect. You still get moody at me for eating your Cinnamon Toast Crunch or you'll raise your eyebrow at me when you see that I'm wearing your sweater without asking. I still get mad when your OCD kicks in and it takes you 3 hours to do something, like pick out a Christmas Tree.

Despite all that, I love you more than you'll ever know; more than I can ever express.

We fight, we laugh, we cry, we love.

Thank you for being my best friend in disguise.