My children are close in age, yes, yes, I can acknowledge that. To me, they look nothing alike; sure, family resemblance and all, but a far cry from twins. (And I know that mothers of twins probably think that also, and that not all twins look alike.)
SO, although it gets old, I will just smile and say, "No, not twins, just close in age" or something similar. Usually that's met with, "Oh they look so much alike!", "Oh well they're adorable", "Eighteen months apart?! No way!" or the occasional, "Wow, you must be really busy!"
But I was not prepared for the lecture I had to endure while simply trying to make a return to a store last week. It went something like this:
"Oh twins!"
"No, year and a half apart, but I get that all the time."
"Oh. That's like my younger two boys. They're 19 months apart. It was horrible. It was so hard when they were little, and I kept hoping it would get better, but it doesn't. They just fought and fought as they got older..."
"Aww, they actually play really nicely together. ::Forcing a smile:: We have our moments, but I love it this way."
"Well it's probably because I know how great it was to have them farther apart. I got to spend so much more time with each of them. When they're this close, you don't get to enjoy them, and they never get your full attention. It's a shame, really. And oh, just wait till they get a little older- ugh!"
"Do I need to swipe my card? No, ok thanks."
And me and my neglected twins left.
Was she trying to be helpful? Did she not realize that she was criticizing me? Did she think by talking that I could magically have a do-over?
Even if I did, I'd do it the exact same way. I LOVE that my boys are close in age and close friends. Oh, and that diapers only existed in my house for 4.5 years start to finish :)