Friends can be everything. And more often than not, friends can turn into a family, and one you couldn’t imagine your life without. For me, there are many instances when this has happened, but also many instances when it hasn't. However, when I think about the friends who are older than me, and who are also the same age as my big sister, I can’t help but notice how much they have become my older sister too.

1. They tell you they know best.

Since they’re older than you, they give you the whole “I’ve had more experiences, I’ve learned this, I know that, etc.” And despite how annoying this might be, you can’t help but appreciate the fact that they are know-it-alls, because they know just what you need to hear, even if you don’t want to hear it yourself. Is knowledge key? With these new big sisters, this always seems to be the case.

2. They know too much information.

You probably tell them just as much stuff as you actually tell your real siblings. You know how you're completely honest and occasionally weird around your older sibling? Well, you're just as weird with these people too. You tend to tell them all your secrets because you know that even if they judge you, they’ll always try to advise you.

3. They can butt in at times.

Even though the little sister is usually interested in information about the big sister’s life, big sisters tend to butt into your life more. During phone calls with friends or even when you and your friends make little jokes on Facebook, these older friends always tend to stay far to interest in the happenings of your life. Despite how annoying they might be when they do this, you know they are just looking out for you.

4. They are brutally honest.

They tell you when something on you looks bad, even though it might hurt your feelings. They tell you that something you did was stupid, even though you can’t take it back. And most of all, they tell you when they are the proudest of you. When you do something right, they are the ones who praise you and encourage you the most. It’s as if they are those loud people in a crowd cheering you on during an amateur basketball game.

5. They can be a little overprotective.

These older friends tend to look out for you a lot, as in a lot a lot. Sometimes, they even try to stop you from making certain decisions, which tends to annoy you. However, they really do just want to make sure you're protected. Through that protection even, they sometimes even act as if they’re your mom when you are feeling emotional or in need of help making certain food.

6. You bother them like you bother your sibling.

Even though these friends may butt into your life, you butt into theirs. Even though they may protect you, you are way too concerned about them for your own good. You annoy them just like they are your older sibling, so much to the point that they fight you back, just like your real sibling does. You guys can get mad at each other sometimes, but it never lasts long.

7. They know just how to embarass you.

From bringing up the times where you did something stupid when you were a child, or a time when you did something stupid last week, these friends manage to find just the right time to bring it up. When these older friends do this, they manage to make everyone laugh, and even make you laugh. Even though they might be embarrassing you, they are ultimately coming up with a way for you to laugh along at some of your not-so-favorite moments, which has always worked for me.

8. You feel like you've been friends with them the longest.

These older friends practically grew up with you. They are the people you’ve known since you were three or since you were ten, or at least they are for me. These are also the friends who understand how busy you might be in college because they were just that busy too, and are likely even more busy in their life now. Since they’ve known you for so long, they have also helped you cry through your absolute worst and have seen most of your tantrums. I know my friends have.

9. You trust them as if they were your actual siblings.

They’re your second big sister or big brother, you trust them just like you could trust any other family member. Growing up, I spend a lot of time with my sister and her friends. Even though there were times when I felt out of place, they always wanted me to feel included, which is why I trust them so much. They always wanted to make sure I was okay, and I always wanted to make sure I wasn’t annoying them too much, which is why it’s so easy for me to tell them everything. I never needed more than one sister, but I couldn’t be more grateful for this additional family.