My cousins are some of my closest friends. There are a lot of them and they are always there for me. They are ridiculous but I love them. Cousins Day is coming up and I have been feeling nostalgic. Every one of my important childhood memories includes one of my cousins. So here is a definitive list regarding why cousins are one of the absolute most important parts of any family unit:

1. Cousins Can Act As Replacement Siblings

Not everyone is lucky enough to have siblings. So when that is the case, cousins can be essential to the family dynamic. Those boring summer days can turn to exciting ones with help of your best cuz. And for those who do already have siblings, cousins can be the extra brother or sister they always wished they had.

2. Cousins Can Help You Through Rough Times

A good cousin will be there when you need them. When you are going through something that you feel like you cannot share with your mom, dad or even best school friend, you always got your cousin to get you through. Cousins will be there to talk with you, laugh with you and shade you when you need it most.

3. Cousins Are The Family You Need When You Just Lost Some

Cousins become vital when you lose some of your closest family, such as your mother, father, brother or sister. Cousins help to fill in the gap and remind you that you have not lost all of your family because they still got you. Cousins can be that extra love and support you need.

4. Cousins Keep Life Interesting

Bored? Just call up your cousins. I do not know about you, but any seemingly ordinary day with my cousins always somehow manifests into an entertaining day of misadventures. Cousins will make you laugh, cry, cry from laughing and so much more. They keep you on your toes.

5. Cousins Got Your Back

When you need help out of a tight situation, your cousins will have your back. Cousins are there to help you out because you did something stupid. They will keep your secrets when you ask them. Most importantly, they will take one look at you, see you are struggling, and attempt to help you out. Cousins are the ultimate backup.

6. Cousins Are Lifelong Friends

Despite what the Spice Girls have claimed, some friendships do end. Friends come and go. But cousins are family—cousins are forever. Cousins will always be there for you. Even when they live across the country from you or have some big corporate job or even when you have not seen them in a few years. Cousins are forever.

7. Cousins Have An Understanding

You and your cousins will always understand your dysfunctional family dynamics. You and your cousins will always be on the same side when it comes to you and your family. When your cousin sees you talking to your crazy cousin on the other side of the room they will be there to look at you with eyes of sympathy and understanding.

Cousins are the best. You should definitely call up your best cuz and try to hang out soon. Bond over old memories. Or create some new ones. You are lucky to have them. And be sure to let them know they are lucky to have you as well.