There’s something about big families that confuse people. Whenever I tell people that I am the second of six children, they all make similar faces of shock and awe. How do you live with that many people? Did you ever have your own room? How do you ever have time alone?

It is a bit of a weird thing to have so many people around you. But there are some undeniable benefits (and struggles) of having a home-grown squad.

1. There is always someone around.

In a house full of kids, there’s never a dull moment. Want to vent about your long day? Someone will be around to listen. Want to play a game and forget your responsibility? There will be at least one taker. Big families are basically just built-in friends.

2. There is always someone around.

As much as I love my big family, there’s too many people in our house to avoid at all times. When I want a bit of peace and quiet, I either have to hide from everyone or leave the house entirely. If you’re just sitting around, quietly reading a book or working on your laptop, someone WILL talk your ear off. It’s an occupational hazard.

3. You can read your siblings’ faces within a second or two.

You can tell exactly how they react to any and all things. If someone says something that rubs them the wrong way, you know as soon as it happens. You can either step in and mitigate the situation, or you can watch things crash and burn. Sometimes crashing and burning is fun.

3. You can read your siblings’ faces within a second or two.

Oh, you like my outfit? Do you? Because your face says otherwise. Don’t even try to lie to me.

4. You have multiple wardrobes.

Tired of wearing the same four dresses to every wedding or special event? Time to go shopping in my sisters’ closets. It’s so convenient to have sisters with a good sense of style.

5. They have multiple wardrobes.

Where’s that shirt that I was planning to wear to work today? I see my sister wearing it as she’s pouring herself a cup of coffee and sneaking out the door. Lovely. Guess I’m digging through my closet for a new outfit.

6. All the inside jokes.

I’m especially blessed to have a family full of comedians. When we’re all together, funny things just happen. Somebody says or does something ridiculous, and we never let them live it down.

7. All the inside jokes.

Hey, remember that one time that you were four and did that one thing? Yeah, I don’t. But thanks for bringing it up in front of all my friends and never letting me forget it.

8. You have a built-in support system.

You always know that you have someone to talk to when something goes wrong. You can vent, scream, cry, or talk things out with anyone at any time, and they will still love you at the end of the day. Plus, since your listening ear is not the same age as you, there’s a good chance that they have experienced something similar and can offer some advice.

9. You have a built-in support system.

...and if you forget to tell them something, they’re upset that they can’t support you. “Why didn’t you tell me that you got an A on that paper?” I don’t know, Mom, maybe because it happened five minutes ago. I’d actually like to know how you found out so fast. Also, not a big deal. Chill.

10. Your family weirdly wants to do things together.

Oh, you’re going to the grocery store? Be ready to bring an entourage. This is especially true if your siblings can’t drive. They’re ready to get out of the house, so a trip to buy milk sounds exhilarating.

11. Your family weirdly wants to do things together.

Wait, this was supposed to be a girls’ night with your friends? Don’t be surprised if your siblings crash it. Especially if there are snacks. In fact, they’ll probably ignore your friends, eat the snacks, and talk to you because “such-and-such a thing happened, and you won’t BELIEVE how so-and-so reacted.” You’re caught up on their gossip, and you’re fun. Do you really blame them?

At the end of the day, I wouldn’t trade my big family for the world. There are good times, bad times, and more than enough laughs to go around. They make the whole “going home” thing fun.