I actually had a twin who died soon after we were born, so she could probably just pick up that birth certificate and get on with life.
She’d have the same devotion to Celtling that I do, so I’d finally ahve a reliable babysitter, and surely at first she’d need a place to stay, so she could take care of the house while I work, which would be golden.
I’m betting eventually though she’d run off to be a blues singer or to a writer’s colony. That’s what I’d have done if I’d had the kind of safety net she’d have from me.
How do you know you’re not the copy? Both of you think you’re the original and there’s no way to tell.
My twin and I would do rounds on the talk-show circuit, write a book, and get rich. There’s no way to support 2 of me on my current salary, and both me and my twin would think we’re exclusively entitled to work at our company on our salary. The only fair thing is for neither of us to have the job.
One of us would have to get a different job. It would not be feasible to split the work week up for my job. Basically we would probably flip a coin and see who gets to keep the existing “life” (career, wife, car, etc.) and the other would probably stay there for a while until enough money was saved up to move on. Although I would probably scam insurance between the two of us to save on costs. It’s kinda sad, I wish someone could take over my life and let me start anew somewhere else without dodging out on my responsibilities.
We couldn’t split the DSLR or other electronic toys so would need to earn some cash quickly. The clothes would be split just fine, except we’d need more shoes.
We’d contact advertising agencies, to see if they can come up with a campaign that requires identical twins that have both aged and lost hair/gained weight/broken teeth/are scarred identically. Maybe something involving ‘double’ or ‘duplicate’ or ‘dual’ in the tagline.
If that didn’t make the $$$$ role in, find a job with lots of overtime needed that pays extra for that overtime. 40 hours at single pay and 40 at double pay would be nice.
We could also simul-check-in on Facebook from different countries just for kicks.
Eventually we’d most probably go our own ways but need to keep the same name because our qualifications are needed in our line of work. We’d need an extra copy of degrees, passport, post grad certificates etc. Not sure how our referees would react !
My partner is going to be very, very happy, for so many reasons.
But there are some practical problems, like: We can’t both be on Medicare, right? So one of us will not be getting lifesaving heart surgery or knee replacements. Bummer.
Simultaneously shout “Stay away from my girl! And don’t touch my stuff!”. I have nothing against myself, but trying to share this life is just asking for trouble. We’re a possessive person. I guess the best plan is that one of us changes her name (I already have a name picked out, so neither of us would mind), moves across the country or overseas and dyes her hair. This doesn’t all have to be the same person - it would probably be fairest for the me who stays at home to be the one to change her name. Neither of us will want to give up nursing school, so one of us can specialise in paediatrics and one in emergency work. Once we’ve got our respective degrees in three years, we’ll each have established our own identity that we won’t be so paranoid about the other one trying to steal, and the two of us and our girlfriend can live happily together in a three way relationship.
The outcome would heavily depend on the availability of alcohol. If I and I got up and the doctor handed me and me a beer, I’d probably be cool with me. We could get drunk and mess with people. I’d have to come up with a way to differentiate between me and myself, otherwise it would be confusing. Regallag Blood Axe and Regallag Iron Axe would work.
If there was no booze available I would probably fight me. To the death. In a way, it would be the ultimate challenge. I’d be up against someone who knows all my weaknesses (nothing) and all my strengths (everything). It would be a dual for the skalds* would sing of.
Speaking of which, I can only imagine what would happen if we had two Skalds running about.
This brings up an interesting question. If you play rock paper scissors with yourself, wouldn’t you invariably throw the same thing every time? Could be a long game.
One of us will be dead by the end of the week. At least one. Neither of us will be willing to give way to the other, and both of us will know that the other is not to be trusted. I’m not sure how we both get off the grounds of the hospital alive, as we both know the other is going for a weapon.
I’m reminded of the episode if Buffy where Xander gets split in two. Each thinks the other is a demon who is impersonating him, but they’re both different parts of his personality. Anya wanted a threesome before they’re reunited.
I dunno. The point is the logistics of employment might get a little tricky, and that logistics be damned, I want an exact copy of myself created right now!
Fun question to think about. Rodger’s answer would be closest to how I would feel.
I think I would ask her to stay and live with us, but we would split my job and my chores. I would really need to build an addition to the house with an entertainment/work/bedroom.
An identical twin splitting off at age 52 rather than birth minus nine months …
I hope I’d like me.
Yes, coin flip as to who is arbitrarily “the original” and who is “the copy” - one keeps the current job, name, wife, role as “dad” - one becomes a new name (I like “Nate”), looking for work, brother-in-law, uncle - and sticks to it. Now I love my wife and love my kids and love my job, but I also must admit that the fantasy of having no obligations and no responsibilities also appeals. Either of me could live with either side of that coin. The one labelled as “me” would of course help “my brother” out for a bit. But he is very employable, and a pretty adaptable person - he’ll do just fine. The me that assumes the copy identity would have a tough time not having the roles I have for a while, the roles that really define who I am, and be more than a bit scared about making a new start, especially at this age, but my obligations are covered and I can do things without worrying about them so much? I could live with that too.
We’ll stay in touch though and compare notes on how we’ve changed or not.
