We love our siblings: We fight with them; we hang with them; we watch Netflix with them; we get annoyed with them. They sweeten life, adding moments of bliss and joy throughout. Cousins do the same things; they are like sisters and brothers. We share a mutual understanding of each other and an ingenuity for making the best out of the worst situations.

Sometimes it just feels like we can comprehend each other with no need of facial or verbal expressions. It is like we can read each other’s minds—often leading to unfinished sentences that manage to communicate an idea between us. We share inside jokes, unique experiences, and an in-depth knowledge of each other. There are moments when we can simply look at each other and have the same thoughts over something or someone. Still, this inside knowledge we have of each other does not make choosing a movie or dinner place any easier. We struggle to decide on things despite the fact that we know each other’s preferences.

Our indecisiveness has led to the most boring, sometimes the worst, situations. We are quickly able to turn things around, always finding innovative ways of making things fun. Boring and long afternoons become cherished experiences filled with uniqueness and fun. Tragic and devastating moments become growing experiences filled with the support and the love that we have for each other. We see the glass as half-full. Nothing or no one can ever can stop us, for we will find a way to make things better.

Most importantly, we, cousins and siblings, share an immense amount of love for each other. We are bonded by our overall togetherness that has developed our sense of mutual understanding and resourcefulness. You are truly my beloved brothers and sisters.