Since my twin sister and I go to separate colleges, it oftentimes comes as a surprise to many of my friends that I am, in fact, a twin. Some questions I get are “Are y’all identical?” or “Is it hard being apart?” or “What’s it like being a twin?” Being a twin is interesting and while it’s not too different from just a regular sibling, there are some perks and challenges.

1. We are not clones

Shows and movies like Sister, Sister, The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, Gravity Falls, and The Parent Trap are examples of how twins, whether identical or fraternal are not just copies of one another. One twin can be quiet and bookish, the other wild and confident *cough* *cough* not too unlike my twin and me *cough* *hiccup.* Some twins in movies and television (especially identical twins) are just presented as the exact same person, even dressed alike, and that’s just not reality. When I tell people I have a twin and they say “You mean there’s two of you?” I have to reply, “No. No, there is not.”

2. Birthdays are fun! Most of the time

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pITbhsDSroY

Birthdays are fun! Most of the time, at least. Shopping for presents for a friend’s birthday can be fun, but when there’s two, and both have different interests and wish lists? It gets a little harder which is why I now understand why my sister and I would sometimes get a gift to share or two gifts that were the exact same but a different color. It happens. It’s not fun, but I get it now.

3. Speaking at the same time.

People freak out. Growing up, if you and your friend said something at the same time it was just “Jinx! You owe me a soda!” Thanks, Kim Possible. However, when you and your twin say something at the same time, it is known as the “Freaky twin thing.” It doesn’t bother me. It’s actually pretty funny, and I wish it happened more often.

4. Being born first is a big deal

Being born first matters. Whoever is the “older twin” can and will exploit that. If you are the “younger twin” it doesn’t matter if you are taller or smarter. If the other twin was born first it is his or her birthright to be the “Alpha twin.”

5. Being together is important

As I said earlier, my sister and I don’t go to the same college. We have different tastes, goals, and environments. Growing up, we were together in just about everything. We shared a room, we dressed alike (just elementary school, it was adorable), we had the same teachers, took art lessons, dance lessons, and were partners on projects. When friends didn’t want to come over and play, we had each other and when we went on vacation, we also had each other. But all this doesn’t mean we are dependent on each other.

Even in elementary school, we had the separate personalities that we do today. We had our own friends and talents. Some schools don’t want twins to be in the same classes because they need to “become independent and form their own personalities.” I think my sister and I are living examples of how that is so untrue. We can function apart. Being together doesn't hinder you. Twins should be together for as long as they can. Childhood only lasts so long.