Growing up as an only child, my cousins filled the role of siblings in my life. One cousin, in particular, stands out as one of my closest friends even today. She is three years older than me, but that age gap never posed a barrier to our relationship. We are incredibly close.
To me, she is irreplaceable—like the big sister I never had. She’s my confidante, gossip partner, and soulmate. No matter what life throws our way, our bond remains unshaken. After all, she has been there since my very first breath.
Cousins possess a unique ability to understand you in a way that others simply can’t. Whether it’s a fleeting expression on your face or the silence that contrasts your usually vibrant personality, they know you deeply enough to sense what’s in your heart without a single word being spoken. They bear witness to the family’s quirks, drama, and the experiences that have shaped you into who you are today. With them, you can be your true self—no need to tone down your silliness or volume because they love you just as you are.
Having grown up together, they’ve seen your evolution from a gummy smile to adult teeth. They’ve shared in your journey, witnessing the ups and downs of both your life and theirs. For those with cousins close in age, the tumultuous teenage years likely hit at the same time—a challenging phase for the rest of the family dealing with mood swings, but a blessing for those who needed a partner in crime during that awkward period (yes, I’m looking at you, Jess!).
You and your cousins rushed to grow up together, making plans that you now laugh at due to their sheer ridiculousness. Those days are filled with inside jokes that are virtually untranslatable to anyone outside your dynamic. The bond you share is special because it was forged by blood and not choice, yet you would choose them time and again. The memories formed from those mundane yet precious moments are the very essence of your childhood.
Even the days spent sick at home became memorable because they often meant time at Grandma’s house with the cousin who probably spread the illness to you in the first place. Those experiences led to shared memories of how no one can make chicken and noodles quite like Grandma did, and they can relate to the nostalgia of missing home-cooked meals once she was gone.
They were there for both the happy and sad times, the celebrations and the everyday moments. Without them, family gatherings would feel incomplete, and you’d wonder, “Mom, why are we even here?” from the perspective of a child who found adult conversations dreadfully boring without their cousins around.
Cousins fueled our youthful imaginations. Whether playing house or pretending to be something outlandish, they were the ones who would indulge in make-believe for hours while adults would drift away. They were the architects of childhood forts, the rhythm behind your favorite Dance Dance Revolution song, and the ones who shared in the joy of endless summer days.
Cousins are the arms around you when you earn that first-place ribbon, the ones who remember the bubble baths you shared, and the participants in the pageants of your youth.
In each cousin lies a lifelong best friend—someone with whom you never have to hide your true self. They remember the cringe-worthy matching outfits from your childhood and the forced family photos that you reluctantly posed for but now cherish. Looking back at those snapshots evokes pure nostalgia, doesn’t it? When you reunite with your cousins, do you not feel that comforting sensation of returning home?
Despite the passage of time—months can slip by without a word and miles may physically separate you—cousins have a remarkable way of rekindling that sense of childhood wonder even as adults. They allow you to be unapologetically yourself, offering a safe space to share your thoughts without fear of judgment. They inherently understand your life’s challenges without needing an explanation because they have witnessed every version of you: from childhood to adulthood and everything in between.
Your cousins are more than just relatives; they are the guardians of your childhood memories and the keepers of your heart.
In summary, the bond with cousins is unlike any other; they are your lifelong friends who have grown alongside you, sharing in the laughter and tears of life. This connection is invaluable, reminding us of the warmth and joy of our shared experiences.