Siblings are incredible. They are the people who know and understand us the best in this world, because they grew up with the same values, morals, and experiences you did. “Oh remember that time…”, yeah you don’t even have to finish the story because they were there, and think it’s just as hilarious as you. If you’re like me and were blessed enough to have a twin, the game is definitely changed. Your twin probably knows you better than you know yourself, and all those life experiences you’ve gone through together only make you closer. Having a twin, if you’re lucky, is like living with your best friend. They're the person you go to with anything and everything, and you know they will always give you 100% of whatever you need. Is your boyfriend being stupid again? No screen shots needed- walk down the hall and we will get through this one together. Need help with your English paper due in an hour? You may have gotten the singing genes in the family but I got your back on this one. Whatever the situation, you know you will always have that one person you can always go to.
With all the amazing things that come with the package of being a twin, there are a few struggles that I don’t think will ever really go away, but the first step to solving a problem is admitting you have one, so to any twins out there, these might sound a little too familiar.
1. "Are you fraternal or identical?"
The question that is the bane of my existence. I don’t think enough people know the difference between fraternal and identical. Being an identical twin literally means the two people came from the same “zygote”, if you want to get technical, and literally split into two eggs; while fraternal twins came from two separate eggs. If you came from the same exact egg, the chances are you are going to look very similar to that twin of yours. But when we don’t even have the same eye color, and she’s a head shorter than me, no, I’m sorry, we are not identical.
2. Which is which?
When you meet us together, you mix up our names, but if you meet me by myself, then you know it? This one always gets me. If you and I were introduced and you didn’t know I was a twin, you’d know my name; but because someone is standing next to me who looks remotely similar, you have no idea who I am. I'll let it slide the first time, but you have three strikes, so use them wisely.
3. No boundaries.
If you’re the same gender, you definitely know the struggle of your twin raiding your closet. I’m considering locking my closet when I’m not home. I can’t even count the amount of times she comes downstairs as we are getting ready to go out wearing my top. And she’s already making you late, so you have to let her wear it at that point.
4. The assumption we do everything together.
As much as I love her, I need my space too. It is true that we do a lot of things together, but I am able to function without her.
5. Being compared.
It doesn't seem like a big deal, but it happens more than you think. Who’s smarter? Who’s prettier? Well, thank you for asking as she is literally standing right next to me, don’t worry, the car ride home definitely won’t be awkward now- well, only for about three minutes. Having a twin is a constant reminder of everything you're not. Think of that older sister you have who is perfect, that your parents are telling you to be more like; If you feel like you're in her shadow, try literally being in your twin's shadow- being in school with you, in the same activities with you, and in the same friend group as you. The comparisons come from everywhere and they get old. Fast.
Despite the day-to-day struggles, being a twin is one of the greatest things in my life that I would never change; and I couldn't be more thankful for the yin to my yang.
