Dads get a lot of credit. They have their own holiday, special gift baskets and the biggest serving at the dinner table. Too often, little brothers get overlooked. They don’t get anywhere near the kind of recognition they deserve, and that’s a shame.
At the end of the day, while your dad might be a key figure in your life, you’ll find that the person who’s right there next to you, through thick and thin, is actually your brother.
Somewhere along the way, that little goofball you never took seriously grew up to be more than just your annoying little brother; he became your best friend.
He’s really the most important man in your life and deserves to be recognized as such. Here are 12 reasons why:
1. He always knows when someone’s not good enough for you
Whenever you go through a horrible breakup, your little brother will be the first to put it all in perspective by reminding you the guy “had a gut anyway” or was “too dumb” for you.
Oddly enough, when the tears dry up and your tunnel vision clears, you’ll realize he was actually right.
2. He loves you unconditionally, even knowing all your faults
You may be daddy’s little girl, but I promise you, daddy doesn’t know half of what you’ve really been up to; whereas, your brother is the one who will hold the window open for you while you sneak out.
He’s seen you at your worst and loves you regardless.
3. He will always defend you
Who needs a bodyguard when you have a little brother? Ready to jump to your aid at a moment’s notice, he’s been playing your knight in shining armor long before Prince Charming decided to show up.
4. He makes you look good in front of your parents
If you fit the standard big sis/little bro mold, chances are your little brother makes you look good. Every time he leaves empty beer cans in the basement or fails yet another class, your parents get a little more forgiving about your own indiscretions. It’s nice to be “the good child.”
5. He’s the only other person who speaks your language
Have you ever tried to be discreet with a friend or colleague and he or she just doesn’t catch on? With your brother, you never have that problem.
You two can communicate with a look, a la “Bridesmaids,” and always know what the other is thinking. You have the same slang and inside jokes that only the two of you know, basically your own language.
6. He makes you laugh
In addition to speaking the same language, you have the same sense of humor. You grew up with the same jokes and watched the same comedians growing up.
You can feel free to laugh about or share things with your little brother that others might judge you for because he probably finds them funny, too.
7. He keeps your secrets
Your little brother knows that you’ve had shameful moments, and while he’ll tease mercilessly for them, he’ll never expose you or your secrets. You’re safe with him, even at your low points.
8. He values your advice
Your little brother looks up to you. Despite seeing you hungover or in a complete manic state, he still thinks you’re the bee’s knees and strives to be like you one day. He’ll ask for fashion advice, dating advice and even career advice when he’s ready because he values your opinion.
9. You can pick up anytime, even if you haven’t talked in weeks
Unlike a friendship, you don’t have to work at keeping a relationship with your brother alive. He will be there for you even if you talked two days ago or two months ago. Life gets busy, and we don’t always get a chance to keep up with our loved ones, especially if they live far away. You and your brother can pick up anytime, right where you left off.
10. He’s your biggest supporter
Sure, your mom is proud of you, but your little brother is in awe of you. He can’t fathom how you can be so successful at such a young age. He screams the loudest at all your graduations and brags about you to all his friends.
11. He keeps you humble
At the same time, he’s not going to let you get a big head. The minute he starts to think you’re getting a little too self-assured, he’ll bring you back to reality by referencing a repressed and mortifying moment only he remembers, making you feel like an awkward kid again.
12. He goes out of his way for you
Your little brother will stop at Ben and Jerry’s and get your favorite ice cream, even if it requires him driving 30 minutes out of his way to do so.
With a little prodding, he’d go to the ends of the earth for you because you’re his big sister and he loves you. — that, and he’s going to want you to remember that favor next time he needs you to bail him out of a jam.
Sound like your little brother? If so, shoot him a text today and tell him thank you. Maybe little brothers everywhere can start getting some of the credit they deserve
