Older brothers really don’t get the credit they deserve. Every year our mothers and fathers each get their own days, but we tend to overlook that our older brothers were an important part of our childhood, too. Granted, he may have given you a hard time when you were little, but he was also there with you during every important milestone in your life.
And because of him, your childhood was some of the best years of your life.
#1. You were forced to go on a diet because he ate everything.
Your snacks immediately disappeared whenever he was around. No one ever mentions the silent casualties when they talk about growing boys’ bottomless pit stomachs.
#2. He toughened you up by bullying you first.
Before the playground and high school bullies, your brother already called you names and tried to trip you up at every chance he could get. Although other people’s jabs still got to you, they were nothing you hadn’t heard before.
#3. You got to have an instant fashion critic — a vicious one.
He was the first person to tell you everything sequinned in your closet needs to be set on fire. However, the closest thing to a compliment you’ve gotten from him was, “Yeah you’re okay.”
#4. He taught you how to punch.
And also how to take one. Up to this day, your right hook is your pride and joy.
#5. He was your 911 call.
He was always the first person you called whenever you had an emergency. If your car broke down in the middle of nowhere, he would be there without fail, toolbox in hand.
#6. You got off on a lot of things that would have gotten you into trouble.
Your older brother was the one who held the window open so you could sneak out. He watched you take your first sip of beer, and in fact, was the one who gave you the can and told you to drink up.
#7. His dating life gave you some insight into the workings of the male mind.
Witnessing your older brother go through the ups and downs of dating gave you a window into your future. Some signs pointed to good days ahead, but others… not so much.
#8. You were no longer fazed by prepubescent toilet humor.
Having an older brother also meant hanging out with his friends. You were exposed to fart jokes very early on and had developed an immunity to them by middle school.
#9. You could use your little sister powers to get him to do stuff.
This meant crying until he would give you his old bike, or until he went out to buy you ice cream at 11pm. This didn’t work most of the time. But when it did, boy was it glorious.
#10. You grew up being his shadow.
You went through a phase where you liked all his hobbies and watched what he was watching on TV. Even as adults, you can’t help but idolize him, because you are his one true follower. And that will never change.
#11. He was determined to be your bodyguard.
Every date would have to go through him first, so guys knew to approach you with caution. He made a promise when you were younger that if a guy ever hurt you, he would make him pay. And he has made good on that promise, more than once.
He may have been a classless lout, but he’s YOUR classless lout. Between the arguments and the tickle fights, somewhere along the way your older brother became your best friend.
