“What is it like to have a twin?”

People are always in shock when they find out that Drew and I aren’t just “regular” siblings, but rather, we’re partners for eternity.

I have been asked this question more times than I can count throughout my 20 years of life. It wasn’t until recently, however, that I myself understood what my answer to this question was.

I came into the world the same way I live it: a minuscule ball of destruction. Even in the womb, I was a high maintenance drama queen. Unfortunately for Drew, I have been giving her a difficult time since the moment of conception. I apparently needed enough personal space for my 5-pound body and I pushed her as far away as I could, because 9 months later, Drew ended up with a suction mark on her face.

I am one of the fortunate few throughout the world to be born alongside my person for life. Most people throughout their lifetime go through multiple "best friends." It wasn’t until I got to college that I realized that my human has been here all along.

When asked about myself, I immediately mention my other half. My identity is nothing without Drew Emily Friedman in it. This is a concept that many people are unable to grasp. The only people who can undoubtedly understand are twins themselves. We were put on this planet to be twins. There is no me without her or her without me. We are a package deal and always will be.

Ironically, all of my friends believe that if Drew and I weren’t blood-related, we would despise one another. We both tend to agree with this statement. This is probably why the two of us are inseparable -- opposites attract. The two of us are able to complement each other in a way that not many can comprehend.

I am straight, Drew is curly. I am mischievous, Drew is the mother. I don’t stop talking while Drew fears speaking. I take charge while she follows my lead. I panic while she keeps calm. I am loud, she is reserved. I lack patience while she procrastinates. I thrive on constant and she searches for change.

Although we are individuals, we flourish as a pair. Our differences are what helps to keep the two of us balanced, and I am lucky to be stuck with my own personal scale.

So... I would like to thank you, Sissy.

Thank you for being my best friend. Thank you for putting up with my antics for 20 years. Thank you for dealing with my crazy even when I know you don’t want to. Thank you for giving me honest opinions 100% of the time. Thank you for cooking me dinner when I’m too lazy. Thank you for holding me tight when I need it most. Thank you for allowing all 100 pounds of me to be the big spoon. Thank you for taking Mama’s place when she isn’t around (even though I say I hate it). It is unquestionably a blessing in disguise. Thank you for being my constant. Thank you for loving me unconditionally.

It is only evident that the two of us were made for each other. There is a reason we were put on this earth together so we can conquer all of our nightmares side by side. There is no other human being on this planet I would rather be glued to for the rest of my life. The bond that the two of us share can never be replaced and I am beyond fortunate to have had my yin to my yang since the very beginning.

Thank you for teaching me what a soulmate truly is.