SUMMARY ABOUT OUR RESEARCH INTO MIRRORTWINS
Introduction
We are Lenneke en Gitta Overmaat, we are a monozýgotic identical twin, not símilar but mirrored. In our appearance we have many mirrored charácteristics—physically, mentally, and medical. For instance: Gitta is left-handed, more thoughtful and reflective. Lenneke is right-handed, more spontáneous and pro-active.
Even though we are mirrored, our interests and educations are the same, both socially and artístically. We both had a professional practice in coaching and training. Sometimes we worked together because we developed a communication method Multifocus and write a book for trainers. In addition to our professional practice, we are also practícing artists and since we are retired, fulltime. For a year now we have been working together about this research of mirror twins.
Our mission
Our mission is to unravel the mystery about mirror twins. There is no official scientific definition of a mirror twin. We think it is important for all monozygotic twins and their parents and of course especially mirror twins to hear about this phenómenon so that they can better understand and appreciate themselves and each other.
Our questions in our research are:
- What are the specífic mirrored charácteristics (physical and mental) of this group of twins?
- How does mirror twins experience their differences in character and behavior?
- In what way does the identity development of mirror twins differ from that of monozygotic similar twins?
- Are mirror twins formed through a later egg cell division (after day 8) and what exactly happens then?
- The scientist Iris Sommer of the UMCG discoverd that the brain functions of 20% of the monozygotic twins are mirrored? What exactly happens and why? And what does this mean for the hereditary factors in disease and behavior?
- Last but not least: how can we our experiences as a mirror twin and also as a phenomenon visualize in an artistic way?
What are our activities?
* We explore our own development in an artistic way. Gitta with photocollages and Lenneke with drawings. Sometimes we combine our artworks, for instance the video’s about our mirrored phsycical characterístics.
* We interview other mirror twins and map their mirror charácteristics, looking for a definition of a mirror twin.
* We invéntorize what has been written in science about this subject, especially about their origin and have contact with several scientists en researchers.
* We make mini podcasts about our discoveries
* There is a Facebookgroup for mirror twins
About the interviews with mirrortwins
We have contact with about 20 mirrortwins. We interviewed 10 of them with a guestionnaire. We focus during this interview on three things: their mirrored physical and mental charácterístics ánd the development of identity.
Our main conclusions about the physical mirrored characterístics are:
100% scores on left- and right hándednéss
- 50% scores on mirrored hair-parting
- 40% scores on mirrored whorls and moles
- 80% scores on mirrored crossing legs
- 60% scores on mirrored crossing arms
- Zero % scores on mirrored organs (80% of the twins did not know)
- 100 % scores on introverted versus extraverted
- 100% scores on thoughtful versus spontaneous
- 80 % scores on optimistic versus pessimistic
- 90% scores on thinker versus doer
- 70% scores on analytic oriented versus social oriented
- 100% scores on pro-active versus reserved
About the development of identity:
Twins develop not only their individual identity but also a twin identity. For mirror twins, the process of personal development can be particularly complex due to their physical and mental mirroring.
The constant compárison between them, often focusing on similárities rather than differences, can lead to confusion about their own identity. The formation of both, personal ánd twin identity, involves different stages in the identity development of mirror twins.
For instance: wé experience by ourselves the next stages of development sequéntially: symbiosis (till about 12 years), differentiation (between 12 and 20 years), autonomy (between 20 and 40 years), synergy (since we were 40 years till now), and (in the future) separation.
We also recognize these phases of development in the other mirror twins we interviewed, but not always sequéntially. So this classification is not always linear, and not all mirror twins go through all these stages in the same order.
Symbiosis
In this phase, identical mirror twins experience a sense of merging. They are often perceived as a single unit, both by themselves and by their environment, rather than as two individuals.
This phase emphasizes their shared mirror twin identity is dominant. Similárities are noticed more than differences. This stage typically occúrs in early childhood, but some mirror twins maintain a symbiotic bond throughout life: they live and work together. They feel complete with each other. We had the same feeling till about 12 years; we were really inséparable; we did everything together.
Differentiation
In this phase, the need for distinction aríses. They begin to realize that they are separate individuals. For mirror twins, the first differences in character and behavior emerge in this stage. The need for distinction can vary significantly.
For example, in our case: Gitta wanted her own room and more privacy, while Lenneke wanted to continue doing everything together. This created tensions between us.
Autonomy
During this phase, mirror twins focus on devéloping their own identity, with an emphasis on distinction and independence. They cultivate their own preferences, talents, and social relationships, separate from the other. Each twin develops their own values, qualities, and skills, which are often mirrored to some degree.
For example: Gitta got married, lives in an appartment, had children, a steady job as an advisor. And Lenneke lived in a residential community, was active in politics, no children and her own practice in communication.
Synergy
At a later stage, when mirror twins have established their own identity, synergy can emerge. They not only recognize each other's differences but also appreciate them. They see how they complement, enhance, and even strengthen each other. Their collaboration creates added value, leading to a reinforcing effect where the whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts: 1+1=3.
For example: Gitta developed the theory about our Multifocus method and Lenneke developed the practical applications. And also in this project, we complement each other.
Separation
In this phase, one twin has passed away or leaving the other behind. This loss profoundly impacts the surviving twin’s identity. They are, and always will be, part of a twin, yet they are now alone. This is a profound loss, different from other types of bereavement. Mirror twins in this phase miss the compleméntary qualities and skills of their other half.
Finally
Mirror twins are very suitable to complement each other and even stréngthen each other because of their opposite qualities. We grant that synergy to every mirror twin and that is why we do this research and come out in the hope that more and more mirror twins will be aware of this.