Your twin – the person you didn’t ask to share your birthday with. Male or female, identical or fraternal, each set is unique. Your womb-sharing counterpart has their own aspirations, and when it comes time to go to college, you may part ways as you find your separate paths.
Now, I’ve adjusted to living without Amanda, my twin sister, who has been by my side since birth. Perhaps, I replaced her with my current roommate who is also a twin, but our bond is what’s truly irreplaceable. It isn’t always easy, and although our typical sibling bickering has definitely benefitted from separation, we’ve found a way to maintain the rare relationship we’re lucky enough to have.
Frequent FaceTimeOnce we come to learn each other’s schedules, we’ll FaceTime when we’re with friends so it’s like we’re there too! Although we didn’t have all the same friends in high school, we love to meet the other people that can tease our twins the way we can, and of course partake. As far as my sister and I, it’s also the best way to get opinions on outfits prior to going out on the weekend or on dates. Finally, once our family group chat gets the text about using all this month’s data or asking who bought what on Amazon, we have to collaborate on how to respond on a united sibling front.
Still Learning to ShareEspecially with sisters, separating from your twin is separating from half of your wardrobe. My sister and I send each other clothes that we agreed to share, which as many know never really worked out equally (it’s nothing like Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants). On top of that, things left home between breaks becomes fair game, so whoever leaves later gets last picks on what gets brought back to school. “It just made sense to take your TV because it’s bigger!”
Voyaging for a VisitNo matter the distance, you know you at least have to try to visit. Why not go experience what it’s like at another school? It’s like being as comfortable as you are at home; you don’t feel like a guest the way you do visiting friends. You’re immediately immersed in the action and comfortable asking for anything you need. Plus, you get to meet their friends and get a feel for their new lifestyle. Then to return the favor, they can come visit Fairfield (and you can convince them to transfer)!
As mentioned, each set of twins is different, and maintaining your unique relationship may be different. These essentials keep Amanda and I in touch, and this is also my way of saying I took the denim button up she left at home (hi Amanda J). Like all relationships with people from your hometown, it will change and adapt as your life changes. No matter how you do it, in the words of Tim Gunn, “make it work”.