I love being a twin. In fact, I feel bad for anyone who does not have a twin. It’s true what everyone says, a twin is an automatic best friend. I could not imagine my life without my twin, and I know I would not be the same person I am today if I did not have her by my side. Being a twin is great, but like any part of life, it has its ups and downs.

1. There is always someone there for you

Whether you need a best friend, a partner in crime, a movie date, or a therapist your twin is always there to play the role you need them to play. I do not know who I would have turned to growing up if I did not have my twin.

2. You are always grouped together

If you are a twin you know what it is like to be referred to as “the twins” or “the girls/boys.” Being grouped together is can be good and bad. On one hand, you have an automatic partner. On the other, people often do not make an effort to distinguish between the two of you. I do not know how many time my parent or siblings would call my sister and I up from separate rooms in the house when in reality they only needed something from one of us.

3. People do not always believe you when you tell them you are a twin

This is a particular problem for fraternal twins. People ask, “Are you sure you are twins? You were born on the same day AND year?” Yes, I know what it means to be a twin, and yes, I assure you I am one.

4. You're always expected to share

It was always a given that my twin and I would share a room. However, we also shared clothes, food, electronics, and of course birthday parties that our older siblings did not have to share with another person.

Overall, this was not too bad, but it definitely helped us recognized how we are different. In the small space that is a bedroom, it became clear that we had different interests, organizational styles, and clothes preferences. As we got older this caused some conflicts and arguments. Nonetheless, we were still expected to share just about everything.

5. Yes, one of you is older, and it matters

I can only speak to the dynamic my twin and I have, but despite being born within minutes of one another she has always been my big sister. She is the one that is more outspoken and headstrong. She spoke for me when I was still too shy to, and she is the one who always made sure I got what I needed when I was too afraid to ask. From helping me get passed baby gates when we were toddlers to helping me make life decisions now she is always there for me.

6.We are our own people

Despite being partners from the womb to the tomb it is important to realize that we are our own people. My twin and I are opposites in so many ways. From style to interests we oppose one another. We joke that together we have got it all covered. She will always be my best friend and my favorite person, but we are twins second and individuals first.