It is probably not surprising to learn that most twins, especially those who are identical, enjoy close, loving relationships similar to that of my mother and her twin sister. In fact, twins who despise each other are extremely rare. According to the National Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs, Inc., identical twin girls are most likely to remain close throughout their lives. Additionally, identical twins are usually closer than fraternal twins.
Although identical twins can be as different as the seasons, they often show similarities in social competency, IQ, attitudes and feelings. Even twins reared apart often have similar mannerisms, interests, and habits.
Competition often becomes routine in the lives of twins. This love/hate relationship can even reveal itself inside the womb; researchers and doctors have observed twin fetuses punching and even kissing each other (Wright 90-91). In some instances, competition in utero can lead to a phenomenon known as "vanishing twin syndrome." This occurs when one twin acts as a parasite, stealing all of the placenta's nutrients from its sibling. The embryo can also be absorbed by the placenta, leaving little evidence that it was ever there. Because of this, dead fetuses have actually been found inside living children (Wright 89). How often does this phenomenon occur? According to Charles E. Boklage, a geneticist at East Carolina University School of Medicine (as quoted by Lawrence Wright), at least 12 to 15% of pregnancies began as twin conceptions. That means that for every set of twins born alive, there are at least six singletons who become the lone survivor of a twin pregnancy (Wright 88).
Perhaps this explains why some "twinless twins" report feeling a lifelong sense of loss or sadness, even before they knew about their dead twin. This could also occur because of a transferrance of the parents' guilt or sadness, but the actual reason remains a mystery.
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