Growing up as an only child, my cousins became my closest companions, much like siblings. Among them, I shared a special bond with my cousin Amelia, who remains one of my dearest friends today. Although she is three years my senior, age was never a barrier for us. We were inseparable.
Amelia is irreplaceable in my life; she is like the big sister I always wished for. She’s my confidante, my gossip partner, and my soulmate. Even as adults, our connection has remained steadfast through life’s ups and downs. After all, she has been there since the moment I took my first breath.
Cousins hold a unique place in our hearts because they understand us in ways no one else can. Whether it’s a look on our faces or a silence that speaks volumes, they can sense our emotions without us having to say a word. They bear witness to the family quirks, the drama, and the experiences that have shaped us into who we are.
With cousins, there’s no need to hold back. You can be as silly, loud, or “extra” as you want because they appreciate the authentic you. Having known each other for what feels like a lifetime, they accept you just as you are. They’ve seen you grow from a toothless little kid to a full-fledged adult, and they were there every step of the way, evolving alongside you.
For those fortunate enough to have cousins close in age, the awkwardness of puberty likely hit around the same time. While it was a nightmare for the rest of the family, it was a blessing for those needing a companion to share the trials of adolescence and perhaps learn a thing or two about tampons (ahem, me).
We rushed through childhood together, making plans we now laugh about, reminiscing over inside jokes that only we could understand. Our memories are filled with moments that can only be shared with each other—a unique bond that no one else can replicate.
Cousins are special in that, though our connection is rooted in blood rather than choice, I would gladly choose them time and again. There’s no one else I’d rather have shared my childhood with, as those little everyday moments shaped the foundation of our younger years.
Even sick days held a sense of joy because they meant time spent at Grandma and Grandpa’s house, often with the cousin who likely shared whatever bug was going around. They understand the nostalgia when I say no one makes chicken and noodles like Grandma used to, and they too miss those simple home-cooked meals after her passing.
They were there for the good times and the bad, the joyful celebrations and the quiet moments. And when they weren’t present, I often found myself asking, “Mom, why are we even here?” Because, from a child’s perspective, what’s a family gathering without your cousins? Totally boring.
Cousins sparked our imaginations as we played make-believe in our younger days. Whether it was pretending to be a family, witches, or teachers, they were the ones who spent hours indulging in those fantasies—something no adult would do.
They helped build the forts of our childhood, were the soundtrack to our Dance Dance Revolution marathons, and shared the same dirt-covered feet after a long day of play outside. They were there to celebrate every little achievement, from winning ribbons to sharing bubble baths.
With cousins, you find lifelong friends—people with whom you can be utterly genuine. They remember surviving the dreaded matching outfits and awkward family photos that you begrudged as a child but now hold close to your heart. When you look back at those photos, doesn’t it fill you with nostalgia? And when you’re with your cousins today, do you feel that comforting sense of home?
Time may pass, and distance may separate us, but cousins have a magical way of bringing back the essence of childhood, even in adulthood. You can still be “too much” or just be yourself with those who love you unconditionally. They are the family members who understand your struggles without needing an explanation; they just know.
They have witnessed every version of you: the child, the teenager, the adult, and even the parent.
Your cousins are more than just relatives; they are the guardians of the heart of your childhood.