10 x what you recognize if you have an older brother

Together with my brother, I am traveling through Mexico. If you had told us this ten years ago, we both wouldn't have believed it. Not because I don't want to go on vacation with my brother, but because I didn't expect my brother to want to go out with his ‘little’ sister. But nothing could be further from the truth, because we are away together for a month and that is quite a long time. Fortunately, we get along so well, it is really special to explore the world with your big brother. By now, of course, I am also not so annoying and small anymore, and three years doesn't make that much of a difference. Below, I mention ten things you recognize if you also have an older brother.

1. You are and remain the ‘little sister of’

It doesn't matter how old you are, you will always be seen as the little sister of. Your brother will always see you as his ‘little’ sister. I don't think I have a problem with that; I actually find it quite sweet. My brother will always remain my ‘big’ brother.

2. You are always protected

Your big brother always protects you when needed: whether it's in a discussion or physically, with your brother by your side, you are always safe. No bad words about his little sister. That's nice.

3. You were annoying when you were younger

As a younger sister, you are just annoying and unwanted. Often, as the youngest, you are protected by your parents, much to your brother's annoyance. As a little sister, you are just ‘crying’ and being dramatic. You always get your way; another major irritation point.

4. You fall in love with your brother's friends

My first boyfriend was a good friend of my brother. Well, that relationship caused quite a stir. That was absolutely not allowed, according to my brother. His friends had to stay away from his little sister, and I wasn't allowed to seek attention from his friends. Of course, I did, because how cool was it that often big and older men came over? I always wanted to sit with them, but often I wasn't allowed and had to retreat to my own room.

5. He gives you advice

Whenever I have something on my mind, I can always turn to my brother. He often offers me a listening ear and then gives me exactly the response I was hoping for. He doesn't mind giving hugs either, something I could forget when I was younger. I think it applies to many people that as you get older, the bond becomes closer and you understand each other better.

6. You share the same humor

My brother and I share exactly the same humor and make many jokes that only we understand. I laugh every day this vacation, and it's really about the silliest things. We find everything funny, even to the childish extent. By the way, we have shared this humor since we were young.

7. You wrestle with each other 

Wrestling with your brother is something lasting. Whether it's hitting each other on the back or giving a hard pat on the head. In the past, this often came with a lot of crying, but nowadays it's a way of greeting each other. They are loving slaps.

8. Everything is a competition

Between you and your brother, everything is a competition. Who arrives somewhere first, who gets to use the remote control, who is right in discussions, and so on. Everything must be won, so during a game of 30 Seconds, there is a lot of shouting at each other. The one who wins is also always suspected of cheating.

9. You were and still are teased 

As a little sister, you will always remain the target of your big brother. Thought you could play outside peacefully, suddenly a soccer ball gets kicked at your head. And how many times have I not stayed awake because of the scariest ghost stories from my brother, really countless times. Well, by now you are used to being the victim. Moreover, the teasing has now turned into playful banter, which is much nicer.

10. You learn everything about video games, soccer, Pokémon cards, and horror movies  

With an older brother, you learn to game, play soccer, collect Pokémon cards, and watch the most horrible horror movies at a very young age. The last one happens, of course, secretly; I was never allowed to tell my parents this, because then I would be a snitch.