Most older sisters have a similar story. When we were young children, we begged our parents for a little sister, a best friend, a grand companion. Well, that's what our parents tell us happened at least. Maybe we did ask, or maybe we didn’t. Either way, we didn’t know what we were getting ourselves into when we finally got a little sister to constantly live with, pick on and be bothered by for the next 18 years or so.
Being the oldest sister has its perks, like getting the nicest family car when you finally get your driver's license. But it also has its downfalls, like seeing your little sister fall and get back up again over and over (and over and over).
Being an older sister when you still live together means taking the blame for doing something that she did. On the flip side, it also means defending them when your parents get upset with them. It means liking their Facebook posts just to make them smile and making sure they get that 11th like on Instagram, just so they don't have to see the list of usernames anymore. Being an older sister means fighting your parents like a dog when your younger sisters get a cell phone before you did or a nicer car than you got on your 16th birthday.
One of the most fun parts of being the older sister is teaching them how to use makeup, dress like a real member of society and how to tame the mane you both got from your mom's genetics. Being an older sister is showing them that weird-but-delicious snack you are afraid to show anyone else.
Once you're all grown, it means being a role model, their strongest advocate and their toughest critic. Though they don't know it, you're always hoping they reach their dreams and aspirations, and you're incredibly proud when they do.
Yes, it may be annoying when they want to be friends with your friends and when they steal your clothes, but being an older sister is one of the most rewarding things a person can be in this world. Being an older sister is not an easy job, but it is a job you wouldn’t give up for the world. We are all happy to be our little sister's rock and greatest companion. That is why our hearts break when theirs do.
To all of the little sisters reading this: even if you and your older sister don’t get along most of the time, know that your she is your most loyal supporter. She is the one you can fight with just before talking to her about a boy, a cute dog video or a worrisome situation. Never forget that, even when the world seems like it is against you, because your big sister is there for you with love, compassion and a little bit of constructive criticism.
