Dear Sister,

Sadly, you finally reached the dreaded age where bribing you with my sisterly love no longer works. Instead of the a cute baby sister who idolized my every move, you now have a deeply rooted hatred toward me that I, for one, have done nothing to deserve. I have been friendly and forgiving when you take my things. I even believe you when you say that someone else planted your sock in my room in order to frame you. I too was a pre-teen once. I understand that the world is out to get you, but I am and always will be on your side. So, here are some things you should know:

I truly do everything out of love, not spite. Every time I give you fashion advice, I am trying to help you! I did not have anyone to save me from gauchos and the bottom lid eyeliner phase, and I have the pictures to prove it. Mom will always think you look beautiful in anything, which is why the older sister's main purpose in life is to help keep the embarrassing pictures to a minimum.

My sisterly love does not just end with fashion advice. If I lock you out of the house, steal your charger, or leave 10 minutes late to pick you up, I am doing it for your own benefit. I push your buttons to the max in order to help you escape this horrible phase as soon as possible. Every time you repeat everything I say, hide my things, or sabotage my life, I do get annoyed. The only difference is that I have learned to hide it because it annoys you when I am not annoyed. You will learn this over time, but for now, just try to remember that my blood is boiling behind my smile.

When I say something while you are in the room, I am not trying to start a fight. Sometimes yes, but not all the time. I may actually just attempt to start a conversation. You should also know that you are still in the running for future maid of honor status. I understand that behind the eye rolls and sassy comebacks is just a girl trying to be like her older sister, so don’t worry, I will always be here to guide you.