7 Wonderful Things about Being a Twin ...

For me, one of the wonderful things about being a twin is that I get to share my birthday! This might initially seem like a negative thing; a birthday is supposed to be all about you, right? Despite occasional joint presents, I think it is so beautiful that twins are able to celebrate entering the world together and know that someone has been with you since day one, literally! Also, my mom always gets me and my twin our own separate cakes every year! If double the amount of birthday girls means double the amount of leftover cake, I am all for it.

Another awesome plus of being a twin is that you can effortlessly and spontaneously play so many tricks on people! While my twin and I have never "switched places," this year she and I determined to pull our very first April Fool's stunt as twins in college. Though at times irritating, it can be a great deal of fun when a classmate, acquaintance, professor, or even relative simply can't tell you apart from your twin! Sometimes, it's tempting to switch identities right on the spot. That sheepish "which one is which" question just begs for a fun little joke!

There are few feelings that can compare to being with someone who knows exactly what is running through your mind. I love that when I'm with my twin, I don't even have to finish my sentences for her to know what I'm thinking or what I'm about to say. Even after two decades together, we still get a thrill out of saying something at the exact same time! I love knowing that no matter what, someone is always going to be there to understand me. For some twins, all it takes is a look across the room and an entire conversation practically happens telepathically.

I'll be honest on this one, it's really fun to be a twin and turn heads in public! It can be nice to receive some attention; to have people stop and really look at you and try to figure out what distinguishes you from your twin or what makes you an individual. I've been asked so many questions related to my distinct personality and characteristics that I probably would not have been asked nearly as often if I wasn't a twin. People always tell me that I'm so lucky to have a sister my exact age and I agree with them wholeheartedly.

Being a twin means that you will almost never be alone. From the time you enter elementary school to your first year of college, your social circle is automatically multiplied by two! I find that anytime I meet my twin sister's friends, they're unfailingly warm and welcoming. My friends are always enthusiastic about meeting her as well! I've grown close to so many people that I never would have met if I hadn't met them through my twin!

You may bicker with your twin, and you might not see eye-to-eye all the time, but at the end of the day, you can be sure that your twin has your back. It's such a comfort for me to know that no matter what happens or no matter where my life goes, it's permanently intertwined with my twin's. When things go sour, twins are always protective of each other and do their best to lift their other half up. Twins who love each other will always be supportive and proud of their twin's accomplishments. Sometimes, I'm so proud of my sister that I brag about her achievements as if they were my own!

Many of my friends have asked me if I ever get frustrated being part of a matched set. When I was younger, it was difficult for others to see me as an individual. But now that I'm older, I realize that being a twin is part of what has shaped my character and made me who I am today. As identical twins, my sister and I are already rare and unique in that right alone. Not everyone experiences the joys of being a twin, it's something that makes them incredibly special.

I wouldn't give up being a twin for anything in the world. My twin sister is my absolute best friend and I can't imagine what it'd be like if we hadn’t grown up together! What is your experience like being a twin? If you aren't a twin, do you have any questions about what it's like to have one?