It’s pretty common these days to know a set of twins; in fact, there were seven pairs of twins in my fourth grade class of 80 kids, including my brother and I. Now I definitely do not know what it’s like to have an identical twin sister (I’m sure identical twins have a completely different experience), but I do know what it’s like to have a fraternal twin brother.
Throughout my life, many people have come up to me and said, “That’s so cool. I’ve always wanted a twin!” And yeah, it actually is pretty cool to have a sibling that’s your age, but that’s really all it is. My twin brother isn’t any different from my other three siblings, besides the fact that we share a birthday. I know some twins have a really tight bond and are inseparable, but that’s not really the case for me. Of course I love him, but no more or less than my other siblings. It’s not like we share some sort of twin telepathy (but that would be so cool if we did). Being a twin definitely has its positives and negatives.
Let's start with the fun stuff. First off, me and my brother are the youngest in my family, so as my older siblings grew up and went to college, I knew I wouldn’t have to be alone at home with just parents—my brother would always be there. Also, since we are the same age, we went through school together, which was really helpful because we would basically just share the homework load instead of having to do it all - but don’t tell my middle school teachers that! Also, it’s just kind of cool; admit it, I know you want a twin.
For all you other people out there who aren’t twins, enjoy the fact that you don’t have to experience some of the negative things. I can’t tell you how many uncomfortable moments I’ve had where I’m just relaxing at home, comfy in my pajamas, and my brother and a friend of his just stroll right through. It’s so awkward when you exchange small talk with someone you are not friends with while you’re in your pajamas… seriously, it’s so weird, and it never stops being weird. Also, when people know you’re a twin, they start asking you all these ridiculous questions. The most ridiculous one that I surprisingly get very often (after I say I have a twin brother) is, “Are you guys identical?” I’m sorry, what?!? Are you kidding?!? After I tell you I have a twin brother, you ask if we’re identical?!? First of all, it is physically impossible, and second of all, how do you not already know that? Come on people, I learned that in 7th grade science. Identical twins separate from one egg, so identical twins would have to be the same gender!
So there’s a little insight into my world. Do I like having a twin brother? Of course! It’s awesome, I’m so glad I have a twin, and I wouldn’t wish for anything else.
