1. You had someone who helped you build your character

Whether it was you or her who made the rules, there were limitations in your relationship that made you understand why you shouldn’t force yourself on other people. It was character building for you to offer her space to operate.

2. You shared a lot of toys and gadgets with her

It was up to you to make your parents know that you could share things with your sister. If you never abused the responsibility she shared a lot of things with you, from toys to gadgets.

3. You gave each other real talk

With your sister there was no faking since they were with you most of the time. Your sister could offer an honest opinion on anything that involved you.

4. You had someone to cover your back

In moments when you had no money and you needed to borrow, or times when you were jobless, you could always call on your sister. She was there to shield you from certain worries of life.

5. You had someone to pour out your emotions to

Whether it was anger or frustration, you had someone who you could project your emotion on. While friends can change, your sister will always (eventually) unconditionally love you.

6. You were complimented by her

She was different from you and was there to make you feel part of a whole. You looked up to her in many ways and she did the same to you.

7. You were made to be responsible for her

Sometimes she was like your child, sometimes she was like your mother. You had a measure of responsibility towards her, whether it was in her choice of relationships or fashion, you had to be protective of who she was on the outside.

8. You had something to brag about

Even if you criticized her and felt envious of her, you had something to brag about to the world. That is why you would post her achievements, and share her pretty pictures on social media.

9. You always made the best team with her

Even when you antagonized each other, you know you were the best team against your parents and relatives. If there was a major event or a major project, teaming up with her offered the best solution.

10. You had someone who could offer you a richer perspective on life

You could not have seen the world the way it is or should be on your own. You may have had some concepts here and there, but your sister was there to make you see the world from a more holistic angle and offer her opinion when you needed it.

11. You had no better intimate friend

As you grew older you understood how much your relationship with your sister had been tested, and how it had survived and become stronger. Yes, she had seen you naked, watched you cry after failing a test or being bullied in school. She had a firsthand knowledge of your growth and how you evolved.

12. You could not always be angry with her

Yes, you had fights and certain things that she did must have gotten you mad. Even when you were angry with her and she seemed impossible to deal with, you had more than enough reasons to mend differences and move on.

13. You could be stupid around her

With her, you could take things a little further, like laughing out louder, being more cynical, farting when you didn’t have to. You could be more silly with your sister and it all seemed ordinary.

14. You had in her a playmate

There were times when things got boring in the house and you could brighten up your day by walking over to her room. She was there to cheer you up and made you feel good about yourself.

15. You will always miss her

You realize how important to your world she is when she leaves. Although you might think that you would have the house or room to yourself, you discover how emotional you become when you find her room and bed empty. You miss her! Featured photo credit: closeup portrait of lying head to head happy girl friends relaxing happy smiling via shutterstock.com