For as long as I can remember, people of all ages have asked me what it's like to be a twin and/or to have a twin, with some form of "Are you guys like the Olsen twins? They're so awesome/annoying!" thrown in for good measure. Usually I tell them that it's no big deal, that it's just like having a sibling, only you two look extremely alike. It wasn't the whole story -- not by a long shot -- but it made do. I used this response as a default mainly because I couldn't sum up the entirety of the "twin experience" in a pithy quip. Can I sum it up now? That is the question.

PROS:

1. Twin = Partner in Crime!

This may or may not apply to all sets of twins, but I know for a fact that my twin Julie and I are the best of friends. We've literally been friends since birth. We are siblings first, though, and that means that we do drive each other crazy from time to time. Driving each other up the wall comes with the territory. Even then, I still had someone with which to play and to go on random late-night trips to Walmart.

2. Playing Trick(s)

My sister and I have actually only played one practical twin-related joke on someone. One time during our junior high years, my sister and I were at a lunch with my mom and one of her work friends, one of us (I forget which one) had the crazy idea of going to the bathroom, switching outfits, and, casually, walking back to the table. This is exactly what happened. When we both walked back to our table, once she noticed, the work friend looked confused, and did multiple double-takes; my mom just laughed.

3. Kinship to Other Twins (fictional and otherwise)

In the 1990s (yes, I'm a 90s kid), there were two sets of famous twins all over the media: the Olsen twins (Mary-Kate and Ashley) and the Mowry twins (Tia and Tamera). They were everywhere, and, like long-lost kin, my sister and I were so happy to bump into them wherever we went. I lived vicariously through the twins and their wacky, scripted adventures in movies, on TV, in books/magazines/other printed media/etc.

Whenever Julie and I met another set of twins, it was considered a miracle. I knew at least one pair in elementary school and another in high school; we weren't close by any means, but we recognized each others' twin-ness. I've met the most sets of twins, interestingly enough, during college - I knew at least two sets of twins in undergrad back at Hollins (and one set of quintuplets!). Right now, I know someone in my current year of grad school who is a fraternal twin. Having met these sets of twins, I have noticed that, though the twins themselves look very similar, no set of twins are alike; this is fascinating to me.

4. Holidays/Celebrations

Twice the kids, twice the presents! Birthdays, too. With all of the matching outfits (and interchangeable closet), you can bet your bottom dollar that young twins are mother-licking adorable. Adult twins - if they still dress alike -- not so much.

CONS:

1. Identity Crisis

It comes with the territory: every so often, people that I meet on my own will, when I introduce them to my sister, in a moment of great surprise, look back and forth between us as if watching a tennis match. "There's TWO of you?! Whoa!" They'd exclaim, minds blown. They will then look at and ask us about traits in which they can identify us by i.e. different hair length, different clothing styles, etc. It unavoidable. The most that can be done in those situations is engage with the person and laugh it off. Moments like these always make for a later, entertaining anecdote.

2. Socializing/Making Friends

As a twin, depending on the relationship you have with your fellow twin, it's very easy to want to stick to them. They're your best friend; what could go wrong? But, then the time comes when you want to have friends aside from your twin, especially when you're younger, it can be tough to break away from who you believe to be your automatic best friend. You have to introduce yourself? To other people? What is this nonsense? Well, something that has always helped me with socializing was the notion of compatibility. Getting involved in something related to common interests in school/work settings (mine happen to be Shakespeare and theater) have been, and continue to be, for me a great way to make friends. Slowly, but surely.

3. Comparisons

Comparisons often can't be helped. Based on a twin's relationships with friends/acquaintances, one might prefer one twin over the other based on their familiarity, spending an extended period of time with one, etc. Even twins are guilty of comparing themselves, favorably or otherwise, to their twin, or another set of twins (if able). I know I'm totally guilty. I compare myself to Julie all the time, and it's not fun. It's a part of a twin's life that doesn't go away, but can be addressed when necessary.

4. Cost of Living/School Costs

Money, money, money. It truly is what makes the world go round. As is the case with families with multiple children, twins are expensive! For every one school/summer camp registration, there was always one more. Don't get started on college! So many student loans.

5. In summation: Making Your Own Identity

There is something that needs to be said about twins. We are individuals. Though we look alike, we are different. Though an awesome show, "Orphan Black" is about clones, not twins. From my experience, twins tend to balance each other out.

When we were younger, my sister and I had almost the exact same interests and friends. There was not much room for differentiation. Now is a different (see what I did there?) story. I'm more into theater, and Julie's into writing/volunteering. I tend to be even-tempered most of the time, and Julie is enthusiastic about life. At the end of the day, we have each other. I wouldn't have it any other way.