8x why having an older brother has its advantages
Although I can't really join in on the oh so special sister bond, I've never really found that to be such a disaster. My two older brothers just fill that ‘void’ for me. The era of pulling hair and pushing each other off the trampoline is happily behind us now. Now I approve matches on Tinder and we go to concerts together. In short: having an older brother can be quite nice at times, you know. Both back then and now.
1. You are ‘the little sister of’
As a first-year student at about 1.55 meters tall, you could do nothing to me, because my brother (who was already in fifth grade) had a friend group of about fifteen guys who knew me well. You get it: everyone kept their hands off me.
2. You always had a private taxi
Your parents refusing to pick you up at four in the morning from the city? No problem. Your brother would pick you up, as long as he wasn't at the pub himself. In that case, you just cycled home together and had a nice excuse to stay out longer. Win-win.
3. You always have a date
How many times my brother and I have gone to the movies together because we both have a nonexistent dating life is too many to count on one hand. And the number of times people thought we were a couple has happened to us a bit too often.
4. You have an extra wardrobe
Whether you needed a white shirt, felt like wearing an oversized hoodie, or needed sweatpants when you were sick at home on the couch, there was surely something among the pile of clothes on your brother's desk chair. You just couldn't assume it was washed or ironed.
5. You are a personal stylist
But to borrow his clothes occasionally, something was expected in return: you had to give fashion advice. And this doesn't suddenly stop when he moves out. Every now and then, you still get a photo sent from a ZARA fitting room with the text: ‘Is this nice?’ Yes-ha.
6. You have older friends
Your brother's friends have now also become your friends. In the past, they secretly brought drinks for your sweet sixteen, now you and your friends are just invited to their parties.
7. You always have a male opinion at hand
An unfiltered opinion is worth a lot, and your brother can give that like no other. Most of the time, you don't even have to ask if that one dress really looks good. You'll hear it eventually, whether you want to or not.
8. Your brother knows everything better
Writing a motivation letter for your dream internship? Your brother would help you out. Delay with the train? Your brother knew another route. Applying for a new public transport card? Your brother would do it for you, because he's had to do it at least six times himself. Where would you actually be without them?
