I’ve always been extra, and that apparently extends all the way back to pre-birth because I don't just have a sister, I have a twin. Although we have our own ways of showing how much we care about each other, I’ve never tried putting it into words, so here you go sis, this one’s for you.

Dear Sarah,

This is going to get sappy, so bear with me. You KNOW we have our differences. Too many to count, actually. I’m an acting major, you’re studying math and computer science. I love to write, you love to read. I can cook eggs, you can cook just about anything. Yet we have some similarities too, however few. We both love Christmas, we both care deeply about family, and we would do anything to protect each other. You’ve always had my back. Hell, you’re like a second mother to me sometimes. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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Twin telepathy isn't a thing, but being so in sync and on the same page does lead to saying the same thing at the same time. We’ve scared (albeit impressed) a lot of people with that talent. I’d say we’ve impressed them with how close we are, too. I know there’s a lot of siblings that don’t get along, and some that lose touch as they age into adulthood, but I know that won’t be us. We’re stuck with each other for life, whether we like it or not.

Remember how mom would always make sure we had the same amount of birthday presents? How we would each get to pick out the same amount of clothes, and how when we were even younger she would pick out matching outfits for us to wear to school? It’s funny how, growing up, what we were given was identical. I think, with all twins, we’re forced into the stigma of being the same. It’s a part of the twin experience, having the same clothes and the same birthday cakes (but in different colors). I wouldn’t change how we were raised as twins, because, now that we’re older, we value what makes us unique so much more. We don’t pretend to be the same anymore- because we aren’t. We’re just two sisters that happened to be born one minute apart.

I’m so grateful to have you in my life, because I know I’ll never be on my own. I’ve had a lot of downs in my life that seemed like too much to bear. For a time, I felt like I was alone, with no friends and no hope. Which was silly of me because you’ve always been someone to talk to, someone to hug and tell me everything would be okay. I was never alone, not for a minute.

For every fight, every stand-off and sharp-tongued argument, there’s a good memory. A night out when we get too slap-happy, a shared Youtube video or Buzzfeed article. They don’t happen every day, but that’s what makes them special. I don’t need to have a heartwarming moment with you all that often because the previous one stays fresh in my mind for quite some time. I never worry when the next one will come, because they’re inevitable. I can never be mad at you for too long because we end up making each other laugh before the night is over. Mom taught us never to go to bed angry with one another, so we make up and keep on laughing. Together.

So, to my best friend, my toughest competition, my confidante, and my future maid of honor, thank you.

Love,

The better twin