As the saying goes, “Every brunette needs a blonde best friend.” Well, lucky for me, my “blonde” best friend just happens to be my fraternal twin sister, partner in crime, and my other half. To all the other twins out there, you can probably relate to me when I say I get sick of hearing people constantly ask me, “what’s it like being a twin?” because to be completely honest with you, I didn’t know the answer to that question for the longest time. I always responded, “I don’t know. What is it like not being a twin?”

However, as I have grown older and my twin sister, Abby, and I parted to different colleges 500 miles apart, I have begun to truly appreciate being a twin. I finally understand being a twin is a major blessing in my life. For those of you who have ever asked, “What is it like being a twin?” I hope I can finally answer your question. And for those of you who are a twin and are tired of hearing that question, I hope you can relate.

Having a twin (sister) means:

You have a “built-in-best friend”

Seriously though, it’s like having a constant playdate/sleepover that lasts 24/7/365. It rocks. Abby and I don’t share a room but more times than not we actually cuddle up together in one of our beds. Sometimes we even fall asleep together because we would rather be together than alone, even if we are just sleeping.

You never have to face awkward/scary situations alone

Big shout-out to you, Abby, for always letting me follow you into the classroom on the first day of school or into a huge party. I couldn’t have taken that step without you right there beside me. Thanks for being the brave, outgoing twin.

Abby and I are at different colleges so she isn’t physically there anymore to help me take on intimidating situations, but you can be damn sure that I’ll call her on the phone if I’m awkwardly walking through a crowded room full of people I don’t know, or if I have to quickly grab dinner and I’m sitting alone. Thanks for always answering, Abby.

You have double the wardrobe

It’s pretty great that when you can’t find anything to wear, you just have to hit the closet in the room next door. And in college, there is always the U.S. Mail for borrowing each other’s clothes. However, with a twin you may have double the amount of clothing, but somehow still end up arguing over who gets to wear that one “reallyyyy cute top” or arguing over who has to change when you both happen to wear the same shirt on the same day (God forbid that we should match).

You have a personal stylist

Your twin will be real with you 100 percent. If that dress does not match those boots, she will not think twice before telling you. But don’t worry; she’ll always manage to pull out six new dresses that go with the boots that you somehow completely over looked.

You’ve probably tried to create a new language with your twin

Are you really a twin if you haven’t tried to make your own language? It really becomes fun when you master only a few words, yet are still able to convince people you have a whole language. It’s like twin telepathy, just more believable. And no, twin telepathy isn’t real (that’s always the next question.)

You have someone to learn all life lessons with

Whether this means learning life lessons like eating all your veggies, (thanks, Abby, for always eating my broccoli when we were little) to crying over boys, you always have someone who helps you take on the hardships of life. Your twin will never let you face a stressful situation alone. She won’t put up with anyone who tries to mess with you. You know you can always count on her to be right there next to you making the same stupid and crazy decisions so you don’t get into trouble alone.

You’re a package deal

Your friends are her friends and her friends are your friends. Where you go she goes and where she goes you go. Invitations are always to both of you. Actually though, if you show up anywhere alone the first question you’ll receive is “Oh, where’s (insert name of twin)?” I actually blame being a twin on my inability to be alone for more than 20 minutes.

You have a teammate and a partner for life

You know you can always count on your twin to cheer you on for every major event or milestone of your life, whether it’s a congratulatory phone call about an A on a paper or a crutch to lean on when you need a little extra support. Your twin has your back for life. But most importantly, if your twin doesn’t approve of your significant other or they don’t get along, then the boy automatically gets the boot, sorry. Womb mates over date mates? (A little bit of a stretch I know, but work with me…)

And on top of all that, you’re probably completely different than each other but ultimately, you couldn’t do life without her.

Thanks for being my partner in crime, my other half, and the very best friend that I will ever have.