9 Struggles You’ll Relate to If You’re a Twin

When it comes to sibling dynamics, people often talk about the roles usually filled by oldest, middle and youngest siblings, as well as only children. If you're a twin, chances are that you often get left out of the conversation.

Though this type of sibling relationship is rarer than most, it's becoming increasingly more common, and anyone who's a twin knows just how complicated things can get when being born at the same time gives you an even playing field. That type of connection is completely different what's typically shared between brothers and sisters. If that describes you, we bet you'll relate to the following nine things.

You Grew Up Sharing Absolutely Everything

As a twin, you've shared everything with your counterpart since the very beginning—including the womb. Growing up, you only felt like a half-owner of your stuff, from your room and toys to clothing, food and more. Sometimes, this can make you feel like you've been cheated out of opportunities, only getting 50% of what feels like your fair share, but you've also learned that sharing is caring, and have likely grown into someone generous, kind and thoughtful. Ironically, even through your parents mostly treated you equally and you grew up with the same things in the same environment, it can be surprising how different you actually are from each other.

 

It's Become Your Job to Explain the Difference Between the Types of Twins

You definitely didn't sign up for this, and it should not be your responsibility, but as a twin, it sometimes becomes your job to explain the different types of twins. It's easier if you're identical twins, sharing the same DNA and sex, but when you're fraternal twins, you're frequently having to clarify that you are not, indeed, identical. This is even more confusing when you're different sexes and look nothing alike.

(via Shutterstock)

 

You've Gotten Confused for Each Other

Being a twin and having your identity confused go hand in hand. Of course, this is most common when you're identical (even when you've grown to look different and have completely unique styles), but this can pertain to fraternal twins, as well. Even if one of you is a guy and one of you is a girl, we bet people have mixed up your names at least once. At least identical twins can occasionally swap places for a great prank.

 

Also read about: How to Make Up With Your Sibling After a Fight

 

You've Heard Every 'Evil Twin' Joke in the Book

Thanks to comic books, many people have come to accept the stereotype that there's one "good twin" and one "evil twin" in every batch, and we bet that you're sick of hearing jokes that you're the evil one.  They're probably just trying to be silly, but when you're not in the mood, these comments can be downright hurtful. Chances are that both of you have your good days and your bad days.

 

People Assume You Have a Psychic Link

Another common misconception about twins is that you're psychically linked. Of course, this might be a cool super power to have sometimes, but most of us would prefer to keep all of the thoughts in our heads private whenever possible. Instead, they're probably referring to the fact that, because of your shared history and experiences, you're often on the same page, possibly to the extent of finishing each other's thoughts and ideas. Now that is something that can come in handy.

(via Unsplash)

 

You've Had to Work Extra Hard to Establish Your Own Identity

A lot of people tend to think of small kids when they imagine twins. They're dressed alike and do all of the same things together, because that's usually easiest on the parents. However, you grow out of that phase, fast, and into your teenage years and adulthood, this can make it even harder than average to establish your own identity. This isn't easy for anyone, but it's tougher when there's someone else there to measure yourself against. Sometimes, you've done things to be more like your twin, and others, you've acted specifically to be unlike them. Finding your own path lies somewhere in the middle, not considering at all where you overlap or differ, but instead focusing on what's authentic to you. Defining your individuality can be a lifelong process, but you'll get there.

 

Also read about: 8 Things We ALL Fight About With Our Siblings

Comparison Is Inevitable

For twins, constant comparison is unfortunately inevitable. Especially if you're identical, people have some weird expectations about everything from your academic performance to your athleticism and artistic ability, and it's simply unrealistic to think you'll always be equal. Over time, you've made peace with the fact you're going to be worse than them at some things and better than them at others, and you wish everyone else would, too. There have been times when underperforming made you feel terrible, and other times when your twin's success has seriously inspired you and motivated you to improve yourself. You know the same applies to them, too, and try to view it as a healthy, friendly rivalry.

 

Your Differences Have Disappointed People

Again, people might have some bizarre expectations of you as a twin, but it's not your fault at all when they're disappointed by the truth. Strangers might want you to be glued at the hip and doing absolutely everything together, from going to the same schools and pursuing the same types of career, just because you were born at the same time. They might even expect you to dress alike (which we find super weird beyond grade school). They forget that every human being is an individual, and you should never feel bad about their prejudices and hangups.

(via Unsplash)

 

You've Never Have Had Much Say in Who Gets to Be Your Best Friend

This isn't necessarily a struggle, but you were kind of born a package deal, so you never got to choose your best friend, because life chose them for you. Chances are that you wouldn't have it any other way. Having a best friend for life is a gift. Because they've been with you since the beginning, they know you better than anyone else in the world. They're kind of your mirror image, and they're someone you can trust, who'll be there for you no matter what.

 

For even more on the importance of sibling and birth orders, click HERE to find out what yours might reveal about you.