This post is part two in a series. Find part one here.

Twin closeness is inevitable. I have said frequently that twins are born married. Sharing psychological and physical closeness, they measure themselves against one another as a way of establishing similarities and differences—thereby establishing their unique identities. Competition between the pair is built into how they function in the world. The more self-assured twin has fewer issues being away from his or her twin and following their own ideas. Ironically, being different than your twin is healthy but contributes to fighting, which can get very out of control. In all truth, being a twin is difficult and psychologically confusing, even though a lot of people long to be a twin. Most twins whom I consult with admit that at times they wish they were not a twin.

Parents and others who meet with twins compare who is calmer, smarter, prettier, physically stronger, more popular, and more outgoing, to list a few points of comparison that unknowingly begins the competition of every twinship. Parents are responsible for helping their twins see themselves as........

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