Twins. Two people who look alike. They share personalities, traits, hobbies, houses, and lives. What people really want to know is, does twin telepathy exist? There are so many curiosities about the lives of this sacred bond from the outside. After all, only a twin knows what it is truly like to be a twin.
Having a twin can be a double-edged sword. There’s something super special about having someone you have gone through every step of your life with. However, this can also lead to heightened competition and a lack of individuality.
Instead of focusing on the somewhat challenging aspects of being a twin, junior Jake Aronson appreciates the fact that having a twin lends itself to a full-time companion.
“My favorite thing about being a twin is being able to share similar interests with someone I am very close with,” Aronson said.
Twin relationships are some of the closest bonds. Senior Dylan Feiner shares a very unique friendship with her twin sister.
“My favorite thing about being a twin is having a built-in best friend. Our bond feels stronger and more unique than most others because we spend every part of our lives together. I know what she’s thinking, when she’s thinking it, and why she’s thinking it without talking about it. It’s not twin telepathy, but having someone with whom you spend your entire life. You get to know each other very well,” D. Feiner said.
Doing everything with another person definitely strengthens relationships. But, it can also weaken them. Too much time with someone else can lead to little annoyances. Senior Niki Feiner acknowledges the minor conflicts that come with spending every minute with another version of yourself, essentially.
“The most annoying part of being a twin is likely living with someone 24/7 and having lives so entwined that the physical presence creates annoyance,” N. Feiner said.
On top of having to spend so much time with each other, twins often have to share things that other children may have gotten for themselves. Junior Talia Zirin resents the fact that she always has to split things with another person.
“The most annoying part of being a twin is having to share things like my car and my clothes,” Zirin said.
While there are minor inconveniences that come with being a twin, overall it is a very special thing that leads to unimaginable connection, according to junior Ari Steiner.
“People think having a twin is just like another sibling but it’s not, it’s someone you go through life with,” Steiner said.
It is true that having a twin is unlike any other relationship. Junior Natalie Dimitriadis is grateful for having a sibling who is also her best friend.
“My favorite thing about being a twin is practically having a built-in best friend anywhere you go! Especially since my twin and I are close, knowing that she’ll always be by my side is something I would never take for granted,” Dimitriadis said.
On top of it being nice to live with your best friend, growing up with a twin can teach children big lessons at a young age. D. Feiner appreciates the life skills she has learned through being a twin.
“As a twin, I think I have learned a deeper level of empathy and selflessness than most others. Almost all of my actions and decisions have a direct or indirect consequence on my twin because of how connected our lives are. Because I also have such a close relationship with my twin and how well I understand her, I have the capacity to consider others: notice their emotions, understand their body language, etc. I think it makes me a better person and a better friend to more people than just my sister,” D. Feiner said.
Considering that twins have learned certain lessons that other teens may not have, they have some advice to share.
“Some advice for other twins at NVD would be to create a strong relationship with each other and don’t be afraid to have separate interests or friends,” Aronson said.
Twins seem to have a heavy focus on individualism and are constantly seeking their own identity. Dimitriadis provides advice on how to be your own person, even with someone else walking around who looks exactly the same.
“I would say to be yourself. Don’t let anyone’s judgement of your twin define you because you aren’t the same person,” Dimitriadis said.
Being a twin can be complicated. There is so much baggage that comes with having a twin that flies under the radar. However, there are a lot of incredible things. It is a completely unique bond that is difficult to truly understand, unless you are a twin.
“Most people don’t understand that twins are two separate individuals… I think people also don’t understand how difficult it can be to be a twin when you factor in the lack of individuality we have, how competitive it is, etc. But, on a positive note, people also don’t truly understand how special it is to have a true best friend who knows and understands you like no other,” D. Feiner said, “People may feel like they can relate because they have a very, very best friend, but in the end, I don’t think they are comparably the same. Not until you have lived with your best friend and essentially shared the same life can you build the type of bond we have. I am very fortunate to have a person out there who is on my side, no matter what!”
