I was an only child for two years before my parents decided that I was not enough for them. I like to say that the time period from birth to age two and a half were the best years of my life, but that would be a lie. I have three younger siblings now and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. Having siblings is the best experience in the world. It’s like having a built-in best friend that is stuck with you for your entire life. Having siblings makes life that much better. 

Sometimes I have tried to imagine what it might be like to be an only child. I think that it would be lonely. There wouldn’t be anyone to have lightsaber battles with or to beat at board games. No one would be there to share conspiratorial looks and inside jokes with. True, you might have more free time and fewer people bothering you, but you would miss out on so much. 

One of the major benefits of having a sibling is always knowing that there’s someone in your corner. I have noticed even more now that I’m older than my siblings have my back. Whether it be embarrassment at family gatherings, pestering from parents, or even just friends, my siblings stand up for me and let others know when they’ve crossed a line, and they know that I would do the same for them. 

Sibling relationships are also pretty much the only relationships that require the least amount of societal norms or manners. It’s strange how I could be arguing with one of my sisters or my brother about something, each of us separate mad at each other, and then end up in the same room only ten minutes later talking like nothing ever happened. Of course, major arguments require apologies, but most wrongs are just automatically forgiven unlike with parents or friends.  

I don’t feel that I have to live up to any expectations when I’m with my siblings, either. We know everything about each other and have seen each other through our bests and worsts. It’s normal to walk in on my brother doing something weird and not care or judge in the slightest what he’s doing. What’s even better is that I now have three sidekicks who will even partake in my weirdness. My youngest sister has finally reached the age where she can read some of my favorite books and I can geek out with her about them.

As I’m getting older, I’m finally realizing just how important my relationships with my siblings are. I only have one more year and then I’ll be gone. I won’t get to see them in person every day anymore. I’m going to miss the fun, the laughter, the quiet moments, and yes, even the fights. I love my siblings, no matter how mad I am at them, and I know that my relationship with them is something that I will work for and treasure for the rest of my life. 

While it can be said that growing up as an only child is easier without the complications of sibling relationships, I don’t think that it is as rewarding. My siblings are my best friends and I don’t ever want that to change. If you have siblings, take the time to get to know them and grow closer to them. Who knows? Maybe your best friend could be right down the hall without you even knowing.