Having siblings can be both a blessing and a curse. You always have someone to reminisce about childhood memories with but you also have someone constantly available to nag you and ready to argue about anything. Just like any kind of relationships, it can be frustrating at times, but nothing compares to having an older brother.

Having an older brother means having a first hand source when trying to figure out and decipher just what the hell goes through a guys mind. Men are confusing, especially those in their twenties. Now I understand girls too can be hard to read and please, but trying to understand a guys mind is a complicated task. But thank goodness for the insight of an older brother so you have a fighting chance. I can’t thank my brother enough for interrupting all my otherwise confusing and mix-message texts I receive from the opposite sex.

Having an older brother means having someone to look up too. Someone that makes you try harder and never give up, even if it is just so you can out do him in front of your parents. Since he has done mostly everything before you and already made the mistakes, it makes your job of growing up so much easier. (Unless you make some of the same mistakes regardless, like I’m guilty of a few times.)

Having an older brother also means having someone always there to give you an honest opinion. Unsure what to do in a situation or even just if an outfit doesn’t look good on you, always ask your brother. He doesn’t care if the truth is going to hurt your feelings, because you both have had countless fights and disagreements in the past, but you always make up. All he wants to do is help you and see you succeed, so he knows that sometimes means hurting your feelings. An older brother is truly the best and only person that can tell you when you’re being straight up crazy, and sometimes we all need to be told that.

Having an older brother means having a love and passion for ‘boy’ things. He introduces you to sports and how to fix things so you can be independent. He helps you become a better-rounded person, someone who loves clothes and shopping, but also someone who isn’t afraid to get dirty. Because of my brother I have a strong love for cars, and an even stronger appreciation for all kinds of music.

Having an older brother means having a forever best friend. Having someone to laugh and talk with for hours on end about anything that comes to mind. Whether it be about serious life stuff, relationship troubles or just a TV show you both love, you can never run out of things and stories to tell. An older brother makes the best drinking buddy, as he won’t judge you too hard if you get a bit too tipsy and knows what drinks you like.

The relationship between an older brother and a younger sister is a bond like nothing else. As we both grow older I appreciate the fact that we have each other even more. That if the rest of the world decides to walk out on us we will still always have each other for friendship and help. An older brother teaches you wisdom, just as he learns and grows from you too. He teaches you to let go and have fun, but also when it’s important to grow up and mature. No one can ever take away the fact that I have been blessed with an older brother to look up too and also too nag and annoy; and I wouldn’t want it any other way.