As a twin, I have come across many questions regarding my identity and that of my twin. Twins are born either fraternal or identical; either way they are born, many do not understand the difficulties they face.

Chances are, people who have heard about twins have heard thousands of stereotypes of how they act, look, and think; most are false. Stereotypes are defined as a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing.Twins have an immense impact on the minds of society on how they are viewed.

Some of the many stereotypes of being a twin are how they must dress similar, but this is not necessarily true, because they could have very distinct opinions and tastes in fashion. Another misconception is the tendency to do the same activities together. Most of the time, twins live and interact with each other all of the their lives. This can cause boredom with one another, so they start to develop friendships with other people.They are not obliged to spend every single moment together, but have the chance to hang out with a variety of people during the time they are apart. According to Pamela Prindle Fierro in her article "Stereotypes About Twins," " Many stereotypes about twins are based on ignorance, or a lack of understanding about what twins are and their relationship with each other."

Other repetitive stereotypes that have changed the minds of society are that twins were born with a sixth sense and can communicate with each other telepathically by reading each other's minds or finishing each other's sentences. This false testimony proves how brainwashed society can be.

The lives of twins are not simply black and white, but very difficult and complex to understand. Many twins get confronted with many problems while growing up. From infancy to young adults, twins have had to endure numerous occasions when they have to explain themselves to others.

One of the most unbearable dislikes of being a twin are the occasional mistakes people make when trying to remember their names. Often at times, people who have known them all their lives tend to forget, as well as try desperately not to admit that they do not know which twin is which. Another factor is that people give their opinion on who the prettiest, smartest, nicest, or more athletic twin is. These types of characteristics set off many problems and can damage a twin relationship.

Twins have had to go through an identity contingency all their lives, and have had to deal with how society perceives them. They have to deal with the consistent assumptions people make towards them, and although they have the power to do what they want, many of them act how society wants them to be seen.

So the next time you see a pair of twins, stop and think before you ask a question, because chances are they have had that same question asked them hundreds of times.Twins come in all colors, shapes and sizes, and should not be identified by how the other looks or acts. They all have many likes and dislikes that they do not share in common. Although being a twin comes with many troubles, they share a strong bond and loving experience that many will never know or understand the feeling of.