Are they alike or different?

Almost every time I meet someone knew and they find out I have twins they ask me if they're identical. Then I tell them they are a boy and a girl and they ask me if they're personalities are the same or different. I always say they're complete opposites - and then I rethink it. They're alike in so many ways, but then they're completely different too.

The Same But Different

1. They're both athletic but Hockey Girl has balance and speed and All Other Sports Boy has great eye/hand coordination.

2. They're both pretty smart but AOSB is a great reader, speller and creative writer while HG loves math, science and art.

3. They're both popular among their peers. HG has a lot of friends, but she does not mind being alone, and she does not like to be the center of attention. On the other hand, AOSB is very social, he makes friends easily with anyone, he loves to be the center of attention.

4. They both enjoy picking on the other but HG does not seem to care if her brother is mad at her. She will stand her ground in a disagreement while AOSB likes to irritate his sister, but when push comes to shove, he is a peacekeeper and he will give in.

Exactly the Same

They have been within 1/2 lb of each other in their weights since birth. They have been and still are the same height since before age 1. They have the same eyes and the same hair color and skin tone.

Completely Different

HG was a difficult baby who needed a lot of attention. She has always been a worrier. She has a lot of anxiety and hates change. She is extremely responsible. She has long had the ability to look many steps ahead and figure out long range consequences. She doesn't like to make mistakes. She is inherently cautious, yet she is strangely adventurous when it comes to physical tasks like rock climbing. She is very sure of her physical abilities. She is less confident about her other abilities and she likes to be behind the scenes.

AOSB was a very laid back baby and young child. He seldom demanded attention, letting it go to his sister who he knew needed it more. He lives in the moment - seldom worrying about the future. He jumps into everything head first. He doesn't care if he makes a mistake. He is quick to forgive and expects to be forgiven quickly, as well. He has always had an uncanny ability to memorize facts, lyrics and dialog. He has always loved to perform.

It's fun to think about their distinct personalities. It is a great life lesson to have two children who are growing up in the same environment have very distinct strengths and weaknesses. It is fun to watch them grow, change and learn from each other. They balance each other out. I know they look out for each other too, and that makes it less scary to think about the years ahead when they may need to make tough choices.