There are common misconceptions when it comes to twins, especially if they are fraternal. Growing up with my fraternal twin sister, most people thought we were just best friends at first glance due to our lack of resemblance that most other twins have. But if you were to ask us, it's still pretty cool to be a twin. Here are some things we wish we could tell others from the get-go.
1. We are not identical, in body or in mind.
My twin sister and I have completely different personalities and have at times been described as "day and night." Although this may not be the case for all fraternal twins, it is important to remember that each twin has their own unique identity.
2. But yes, we really are twins.
We will always share our birthday and will always have a closer bond with each other than with anyone else.
3. Being a fraternal twin can "run in the family."
While there have been no previous twins in my family, the ability to have fraternal twins can be passed down from mother to child, unlike identical twins.
4. It's a bummer that most people don't find fraternal twins as fascinating as identical twins.
So what if we aren't genetically as alike as identical twins? We still have been through it all with our other half, and wouldn't have it any other way.
5. No, we don't have "twin telepathy."
This fact tends to burst some bubbles. We can't read each other's minds but I would say that there is a certain intuition that comes with being a twin. With one look I can know how my twin sister is feeling, just like with most other close siblings.
6. We are MVPs at the game Taboo.
Twins have more inside jokes than anyone because of all the time they spend with one another. All it takes for my twin is describing one of numerous memories to guess the right word.
7. We feel each other's absence.
I think I can say for any twin that being apart makes things different. It's healthy to figure out who you truly are on your own, but reuniting with my twin keeps me grounded, and reminds me where I came from.
8. We realize that life can't keep us by each other's side forever.
As we grow, we must acknowledge that we shouldn't sacrifice individual opportunities in order to stay close by. Twins are each other's biggest supporters, and will never hold each other back from what life has to offer each of us.
9. Fraternal twins have a balance of strengths and weaknesses.
Where I lack, my twin sister thrives, and vice versa. It goes to show that at the end of the day we need one another.
10. We are fortunate to have a guaranteed best friend for life!
Through every milestone my best friend has been right next to me. It isn't always easy being a twin, but I wouldn't trade my relationship with my twin for anything else.
