When I was three years old, I became a big sister. Though I don't remember much about my opinion on the matter, I do have an opinion now. My little brother has become one of the biggest blessings I could ever ask for. He makes my life difficult sometimes, but I wouldn't trade him for the world. There's a few things that I've learned in my years of having a sibling.
1. You're going to fight.
It's normal. All siblings do it. My brother and I will tear each other apart; emotionally and sometimes even physically. Even when we have our fights and scream horrible things out of spite and anger, we always end up laughing and joking soon after. Sometimes fights are refreshing, sometimes they're exhausting. Either way, I've learned that we aren't the only siblings that argue and annoy each other, and neither are you.
2. You can't make decisions for them.
No matter how persuasive you believe you are, and no matter how right you believe you are, they aren't always going to listen. Your sibling is their own person just like you are. At some point, you have to realize that you're different people and you will not agree on everything.
3. They're your best friend.
You can deny it all you want. Having someone in the same home that experiences almost everything with you and is there in the highs and lows is the biggest blessing. I can't tell you how many times I've cried on my brother's shoulder or how many times he's cried on mine. You see the most vulnerable sides of each other and there's no judgement.
4. You're over-protective.
Extremely over-protective. My brother is only 17, but I've over-analyzed every girl he's even thought about liking ever since he had his first crush in pre-school. In your eyes, no one is good enough. You want nothing but the best things for them. One time, I heard a girl yelling at my brother over the phone and I almost lost my mind. So, yes, extremely over-protective.
5. Their friends become your friends.
I can name my favorite friend of my brother's and he can name his favorite friend of mine. Our friends become part of our family and their like more siblings that just come around for the fun stuff. I'm very protective of my extra siblings too.
6. You love them unconditionally.
Long story short, if you have been blessed with a sibling, older or younger, be thankful. Realize when you're with your sibling how different your life would be without them. How boring? A life without my sibling is not a life I want to live!
(P.S. - My brother will be my Man-of-Honor in my wedding. And because he's the best brother, he even volunteered to wear a dress! Of course, I won't make him, but I'll make him think he's going to! Now, that's a selfless brother.")
