What twins can teach us about friendship
Twins often share social circles due to growing up in the same environment, but the extent of overlap depends on whether they are identical or fraternal. While having a built-in companion can shape how twins form friendships, it doesn't necessarily affect the number of friends they have, though it may influence the depth of those relationships. As twins mature, they may begin forming independent friendships, especially if they seek distinct identities in adulthood.
- ▪Identical twins tend to share more friends due to genetic similarities, while fraternal twins often have separate social circles.
- ▪One twin is typically more outgoing and leads in making friends, with the other twin joining their social network.
- ▪Twins may rely heavily on each other for emotional support, reducing the need for deep connections outside the sibling bond.
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The HighlightWhat twins can teach us about friendshipThey grow up together, but are twins destined to share a social network?by Allie VolpeMay 1, 2026, 10:00 AM UTCShareGift Paola Saliby for VoxAllie Volpe is a correspondent at Vox covering mental health, relationships, wellness, money, home life, and work through the lens of meaningful self-improvement.Ricky and Royce Marnell, 28-year-old fraternal twins from Orlando, Florida, have seldom done anything apart. Together, they competed on the wrestling team throughout their childhood and adolescence. On weekends, they’d venture to the nearby park to play football. When boredom struck, they’d head to the garage for a friendly game of ping pong.
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