Jonathan Meyer.

I’ve shared many times that my sister and I have grown fairly close since I left high school a few years ago. I’ve had my own personal ups and downs, and she’s always been there for me. It’s been a rewarding experience as we both navigate new chapters of our lives, enjoying each other’s company more than we probably did when we were younger.

Sure, we still bicker from time to time, and we’re not always in complete agreement, but overall I’d say we have a pretty positive relationship.

A little over a year ago, an exciting (and riveting) development occurred in her personal life, and I know she’s going to love me talking about this. Jenna, for the first time, got herself a boyfriend.

Now, I’m not going to come out here completely unhinged, revealing every thought, concern, and internal red flag that crossed my mind. But I do want to take you through how my mentality has shifted over winter break.

With three weeks off from classes and being home full-time, I spent a lot more time around my sister and her significant other. At first, that wasn’t exactly thrilling. I just wanted some one-on-one time with my sister, but that wasn’t how things played out. And honestly? I was surprised by how things developed.

One of the first nights of break, we indulged in some pizza. That’s something I can always get behind, and thankfully, it’s not exclusive to Jenna’s boyfriend. But as it turns out, this guy appreciates a good pizza just as much as I do. The first night, we split the cost. A few nights later, I jokingly handed him some cash when my appetite and cravings returned. Fifteen minutes later, he returned with a whole pizza for me.

Let’s just say I was panicked.

I asked my mom. I asked my sister. What have you told this guy? Is he trying to win my approval? Why is he being so nice to me when I’m not always that nice to him?

They both assured me that nothing had been said–that this was just happening naturally. Which, if I’m being honest, concerned me even more.

Another surprisingly entertaining bonding experience came courtesy of a sports betting app–one I am legally allowed to use now that I’m 21. I’m not a big bettor, but I’ll throw a few dollars on track and field during the Olympics. Still, it became something we could work on together, adding a little extra excitement to football and basketball games.

We also found common ground in a YouTube show that was anything but serious. Honestly, that might have been the point. We’d sit, watch, laugh, and enjoy the sheer ridiculousness unfolding on the screen. One night, I was sitting in the recliner, half-asleep, when the next thing I knew, I woke up the following morning, still in the recliner, with the TV off and a blanket draped over me.

I hated to admit it, but I was starting to enjoy this relationship.

He helped me put up Christmas lights for a side gig I run every year. His help was something I never expected, especially after my nearly year-and-a-half barrage of insults and condemnation of his relationship with my sister. But I suppose, as any big brother would argue, a little skepticism comes with the job description.

There was even a trip to the mall in West Des Moines, where all together, we shared another pizza, two siblings and a significant other.

Dare I say it, I’m starting to enjoy this situation with my sister’s boyfriend, as much as it pains me to admit.

Now that I’m back at school, I don’t see him very often, perhaps that’s for the best. I’ve always heard that absence makes the heart grow fonder. If nothing else, this experience reminded me that I can be fairly stubborn, and that sometimes, growth comes in the form of a pizza box and time passing.

So until the next reason for me to hold a grudge, I’m just Jonathan.