The don'ts of being a big sister

Advice for big sisters everywhere and mostly me: How to really, really love your little brothers.

Don't nag them or fuss over them. Who are you, a mom?

Don't talk down to them. They're probably taller than you anyway.

Don't wash all the stemware by yourself because you think they'll break it if they touch it.

Don't swear loudly in traffic and then tell them you were actually talking about a ship.

Don't tell them about those two times you smoked this semester. 

Don't ignore them when they try to show you that new cool thing they learned/wrote/made/invented.

Don't seethe in jealousy when you hear about their straight A's. Congratulate them.

Don't make public school jokes either. Those weren't cool when you were homeschooled.

Don't let their jokes about your weight or age marinate in your bitter heart. They're just bored.

Don't think they're below you, or that you do more for them than they do for you.

Don't comment on how much body spray they have on. It's too late anyway. You're doomed.

Don't wish for sisters. Let's be real, you would've hated them.

Don't sigh over the days when they were cute babies and nice and cuddly. Someday they'll have babies and then you can be the cool aunt.

Don't expect them to behave like college students unless they are.

Don't think you can love them out of your own strength. You can't.

Don't give up on them.

Don't stop loving them.