Creepy Carnies and Green Stuff in the Sink: To Miss, or Not To Miss?

Sparkler hannah12banana is making me feel guilty for torturing my little sister, but we editors love her post anyway. Congrats, hannah12banana, sounds like you've got the run of the house now! —SparkNotes Editors

For those of us who've had an older sibling all these years and dealt with their constant giggles about Tony the school heartthrob, heard their bad renditions of "Stairway to Heaven," and endured their groans as they crammed for their quantum physics test, we know that having our older sibs go off to college is a big deal. We've gone through a lot with them, and when push comes to shove, we're going to miss them...maybe.

What we'll miss:

1. They take us to cool places that our parents wouldn't (like that über dangerous carnival with creepy carnies, mini-golfing, the secret hangout of the upperclassmen, out of state, etc.). Hanging out with them and being seen automatically boosts our social standing. Even being seen shopping for socks with plush insoles with your older sib is way better than being seen with your mom. There's no cheek pinching or "honey" with your bro/sis. Right?

2. At dinner they turn the attention toward themselves. Whether on purpose or by an accident, for good or bad, we're always grateful to not have to explain how we managed to bomb that review test.

3. Someone to hang out with. When you're bored or everyone else seems to have a life but you, if you do the right amount of begging and blackmailing . . . TA-DA! Instant playmate, but "playmate" would be too embarrassing so you both agree to change it to "hangout mate."

4. Inside jokes. You hate them when you're not included, but when it's just your sister or brother who knows what "b.o.l.o.g.n.a." means, or knows about your alter-ego, you'll miss that sib when he/she's gone.

What we won't miss:
1. Name-calling. Only our sis/bro knows that one bad nickname that somehow gets on our nerves every time. They also feel the need to use it, a lot.

2. During family gatherings you just want to yell "What am I? The crud on your shoe?!" Because no one pays attention to little ol' you. They are too busy basking in the glory of the older sibling. Great, another year of interesting conversation between you and Grandma's homemade sour cream.

3. Bathroom buddies. "Ew! What is that?" Those words sound familiar? Well, that's just one of the consequences of having to share a bathroom. It doesn't matter if you're referring to that stank smell or the green stuff in the sink--you'll be glad to know exactly what that stuff was because you put it there yourself.

4. Older sib "wisdom." Life's not fair. It just isn't. But it's worse when your brother or sister feels the need to rub every injustice in your face. Can't go to the movies with your friends? Ha, you're sister's going out with her boyfriend! Want to visit your friend who goes to a different school? Your brother is on his way out. See ya later, shrimp!

Just remember, before they head off to college, yell something encouraging. "Rehab is for quitters!" or "Smile! Tomorrow will be worse!" will do. Because, c'mon, going away is a big deal for them and you.

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Related Post: Tips on Ditching Your Older Sibling