GBE2-NATURE Versus NURTURE

In my GBE2 writing group, we were given the prompt of NATURE Versus NURTURE. I found this topic especially fitting for me as an identical twin.

I'll begin my story by defining Nature and Nurture. Nature refers to genetics, while Nurture refers to Environment. Using my twin sister and I as an example of both terms will bring them to life. Proponents of the Nature concept would believe that Laura and I are alike because of the genes we were born with. For example: Laura and I both enjoy singing and writing because of our genetic make-up.
Proponents of the Nurture concept would say that Laura and I share similarities because of the family we grew up in. For example: We both have a passion for singing and writing because it was nurtured by our family environment.

Now that we have the fundamentals of the Nature versus Nurture theory out of the way, I thought it would be fun to discuss some of the differences between my sister and I, and throw both concepts out the window.


Food: Sis LOVES Green Peppers. I find the green ones too strong and pungent. I prefer the yellow, orange and red ones because their mild and sweet.

• Laura also loves sour kraut which I can easily live without.

Cleaning/Organizing: Laura is more like Oscar and I'm more like Felix. I don't like messes or things to be unorganized. I think everything should be in it's place. In Laura's defense, she's not a slob or anything as dramatic as Oscar but she doesn't get bothered as much as I do when it comes to issues about cleaning. I actually wish I was a little more like her and able to walk by things that need cleaning or organizing once in a while.
Public Speaking: I'm a proud sister when it comes to my sister's public speaking. This is a talent that she nurtured on her own. At first, she was nervous speaking in public but after doing it awhile, she came to enjoy it and become very good at it. She does motivational speeches for companies, Speaks on 'Violence and Abuse' at local treatments centers and does a interactive talk for agency, staff retreats. Her speaking is powerful and touches the soul with her outgoing personality. I do not care to speak in public and thinking about it scares me to death. Although I'd probably be good at it once I got use to it, I don't care to foster this talent in myself.
Physical differences: (not too many) I'm an inch taller than my sister, our noses are slightly different, and her feet are a little bigger than mine. (she thinks her foot size changed after having children). I will now digress with a similarity. Sis and I have always gone up and down in weight, and oddly enough, we both seem to be close to the same weight each time it changes. Seven years ago when I went through chemotherapy and lost weight, sis did too. I think it's because were so close that she lost her appetite right along with mine. Kind of like when a husband gains weight when his wife is pregnant.

Being a twin is such a gift from God. I can't imagine not having my best friend to go through life's ups and downs with.