Twofold

I am an identical twin. I am a lefty and my brother is a righty. I have always wondered why and how this could work, since I assumed handedness was genetically 'determined' I would like to know more about mirroring. It sounds fascinating. Perhaps in a later blog!

There is no doubt in my mind, or my twins; that we are identical. I found this article interesting. When I had my children by c-sections, I was told that even though my sister is an identical twin; I was better off making an autologous blood donation. My twin was ready and willing to donate her blood. I didn't really understand at the time why it was better for me to do the autologous donation but after reading this article, it makes more sense to me. I think it's very important, medically, to know if twins are identical or not just in case you're not able to donate your own blood. I've always asked what my children's blood types were at birth so family members could donate in case of emergencies. I also, would agree that identicals are closer. I have other siblings that I love but my twin and I have a special bond that can never be severed. I consider myself blessed to have been born a twin. Cindy

There is no doubt in my mind, or my twins; that we are identical. I found this article interesting. When I had my children by c-sections, I was told that even though my sister is an identical twin; I was better off making an autologous blood donation. My twin was ready and willing to donate her blood. I didn't really understand at the time why it was better for me to do the autologous donation but after reading this article, it makes more sense to me. I think it's very important, medically, to know if twins are identical or not just in case you're not able to donate your own blood. I've always asked what my children's blood types were at birth so family members could donate in case of emergencies. I also, would agree that identicals are closer. I have other siblings that I love but my twin and I have a special bond that can never be severed. I consider myself blessed to have been born a twin. Cindy

I am an identical twin (or at least I have been told that). My brother and I have almost identical behavior patterns and habits even when we were living apart (for example, we used to go to parties and family gatherings and arrive to find that we were dressed in identical clothes, even though we lived in separate towns and did not consult with each other beforehand about what we were going to wear). I can think of countless other examples -- finishing each others conversations, same walk.

As a twin, I find it very easy to spot other twins; I see them everywhere. But I am not sure whether they are identical or fraternal. Sometimes I can be sure, sometimes not. Recently, I met a pair of twins who I thought were identical but who insisted they were fraternal. Without testing I must take their word. But it does bring up the question, "Why do fraternal twins look alike?"

Dear Dr. Segal,

I came across your blog in my quest for insight as I specifically researched your background and expertise in psychology in relation to twin studies. I am at a cross road in my search as I passionately want to dedicate my focus to the study of twins, but find that I am met with great reservation from many individuals. For a moment, let me share a bit of background before I state my specific interest(s).

I am referred to as a "fraternal" twin. However, I feel in my soul that my brother and I are/were monozygotic twins. We shared the same interests, same passions, same facial features, same thoughts, same feelings, etc. (What is interesting to note here is that my brother, Johnathon, represented the feminine and sensitive part in our relationship and was very feminine in his physique and behaviors, while I complimented the relationship with my masculine attributes, physique, and behaviors). He and I were like glue and truly mirrored each other. There is a great deal of "filler" information to be added, but to be respectful of your time I shall keep this brief.

We were raised in DCFS and separated from our birth parents from the age of three until the age of seven. For these years we were separated on and off in foster homes, but were eventually awarded to a family for which to call our own, and were finally able to be together. When I went off to college and he stayed home, I felt as if my body had died due to the separation and within two weeks I dropped out of college because I could not mentally, physically, or socially, or emotionally handle living life without him right next to me, much to everyone's confusion and disappointment.

Dr. Segal, my brother died at 22 and the case is a cold case file in Cook County, Illinois. I knew that when I last spoke with him that it would be the last time I would hear his voice. Call it sixth sense or a true connection; I'm not sure. Over that weekend, I knew he had died without any information. I could feel it in my entire being. I was right... I spoke with him on a Friday and received a phone call on a Monday afternoon from the State Police.

Since his death in 1992, although deeply difficult I have positively and naturally transitioned through many biopsychosocial changes all of which can be attributed to his death. In hindsight though, there isn't a day that passes where I don't feel as if half of me has also died.

Over the years, from my childhood to present I have always been fascinated with twins and intrigued by twins, specifically fraternal twins, which has fed my interest to further my studies as I embark upon narrowing my dissertation topic. (I went back to school at 27 with a vigor and passion to study psychology and twins and earned a BA in Behavioral Science and a MS in Human Services and Counseling). Now, as I am close to finishing my post grad studies, I am in the two year window of earning my PhD. The area of interest for my research is in the area of identity development in twins.

I theorize that when a twin dies the surviving twin moves through specific stages of development similar to that of a child in his or her search for their identity from a biopsychosocial perspective.
In essence, the surviving twin is reinventing himself or herself and although he or she may be an adult at the time of their counterpart's death, the surviving twin must still move through developmental stages simply because he or she had never learned how to live life outside of the twin relationship. I short, a twin is a twin and an individual is an individual. A singleton i.e., individual (nontwin) would not function as a twin on any level and a twin would not function on any level as an individual, thus my dilemma.

I recognize that I have been verbose and somewhat disorganized in my thought process referenced above, but I believe there is an area in research that has yet to be explored; The developmental rebirth of a twin: A biopsychosocial approach towards defining specific development stages in identity development as twins transition from a "twin" identity to a "singleton" identity.

With all due respected, could you point me in a direction that would further my studies or perhaps your readers may be able to assist. I am deeply committed to the topic that I would be dismayed to think that I would have to abandon my topic due to insufficient literature and interest not to mention whether or not the topic is doable in terms of research.

With deep appreciation,
Mary

I have non-biological twins or virtual twins as perhaps they are termed. They are 9months old. They are very bonded and have a relationship unlike other siblings. I would like to know how to communicate with other parents of such twins and / or where I can find more information regarding the "special and unique" bond between them. I would appreciate any and all feedback. Thank you.

My sister and I are indentical twins but are so, so different no one can believe it. We look very alike but could not be more different in outlook, thoughts, feelings, decisions, taste,spirituality or views, such as racism,tolerance caring and sympathy.
She constantly critises, pulls me down, makes a fool of me, and dismisses me as utterly inferior to her. She had been like this since childhood and I feel it may be some sort of resentment, even in the wombe, of me being born.
I'd love anyone's thoughts on this to my e-mail address please.

My sister and I are indentical twins but are so, so different no one can believe it. We look very alike but could not be more different in outlook, thoughts, feelings, decisions, taste,spirituality or views, such as racism,tolerance caring and sympathy.
She constantly critises, pulls me down, makes a fool of me, and dismisses me as utterly inferior to her. She had been like this since childhood and I feel it may be some sort of resentment, even in the wombe, of me being born.
I'd love anyone's thoughts on this to my e-mail address please.

above comment dianne westfall

When my sister & I were born, the doctor told our mother that we were fraternal twins because there were 2 placentas. Growing up only our mother could tell us apart consistently. However, when we were 10 years old, our opthamologist said he would bet his medical license that we were identical twins because he had never seen the insides of 2 people's eyes be more alike. When we were in college we took part in a twin study & came out with one of the highest correlations of identical twins. Of course we inquired how this could be & were told that if one egg splits far enough apart within the womb, 2 placentas are formed & the fetuses grow in 2 separate environments.

As for personalities, there are traits that are alike and traits that are far apart. Our mother believed we should be a unit & always treated us that way. (Easier?) I was the one who was always out of step according to her. I believe twin personalities have the same likelihood of being alike as any 2 children in a family. It is the expectation of closeness that causes the problem.

Do You Know Twins?

Do you know everything about Twins? Are you a twin yourself? Do you understand what it means to be close to your twin but also when being too close can lead to co-dependency? We are looking for hosts and experts that have experience dealing with or being a twin. If you have experience treating or working with twins that lack individuality or attached at the hip send us a video telling us why you are the right person to host this new show. You may be selected as part of the cast for an upcoming show! Send video, brief bios and contact information to twinhosts@gmail.com.