People who copy and imitate the personality of others: why do they do it?

Have you noticed that the more time you spend with a person, the more like them you become? In fact, it is likely that when you observe yourself you will discover gestures or expressions typical of your parents, your partner, or even your best friends. This is a natural thing that happens to all of us and it happens without any deliberation on our part.

However, There are those who take this mimicry to higher levels, to the point of making those who copy uncomfortable.. In this way, one might wonder why there are people who imitate and copy the personality of others? This concern may have arisen in your mind when you see that acquaintance who tries to resemble the famous person he admires.

Or, perhaps, you had a friend from your youth who imitated your way of dressing and your behaviors in an open and shameless way. The motives that move these people are not always the same and, in fact, they are not always conscious acts. Furthermore, although it is annoying to feel that others are trying to take over our identity, this is not always negative. We tell you why.

Why do some people copy and imitate the personality of others?

As we mentioned before, we all at some point come to assimilate the behaviors and expressions of those with whom we spend the most time. But what about those cases in which imitation becomes so obvious? Below, we explain the main reasons why this situation occurs.

1. Out of empathy

Empathic people are more likely to unconsciously copy the behavior of their interlocutors. This natural tendency is observed in babies and appears to have an evolutionary benefit, since helps us communicate better by understanding what the other person is thinking and feeling.

By adopting the tone, posture or attitude of the person in front of us, we are able to put ourselves in their shoes and thus better understand what they are transmitting to us. We can even predict their next movements and words and, in this way, be faster and more efficient when understanding. Therefore, It is a way to generate harmony what is necessary in human connections.

2. To please the interlocutor

On many occasions, people who copy and imitate the personality of others do so with the sole purpose of pleasing the other and ingratiating themselves with them. Consequently, It is an effective way to generate liking and trust in those in front of you..

In this regard, an investigation published by the magazine Journal of personality and social psychology found that, when interacting with another person, if they imitate our posture and movements, the interaction flows much better and we feel greater sympathy towards them.

Likewise, in an article in the magazine Social influence indicates that Imitating others can make them perceive us as more physically attractive, personally and socially. Therefore, there are people who copy others, consciously or unconsciously, with the intention of awakening this type of attraction.

3. To be accepted

People who have low self-esteem and who are insecure choose to imitate others in order to be accepted.. It is a situation where the fear of rejection, abandonment, criticism or exclusion comes into play, which leads some to blend in with the group or with a person they consider well positioned in it.

By assuming the personality of someone who enjoys approval, they hope to obtain that same status. In this way, it can be taken as a reference to someone close or even a celebrity who “sets the trend.”

4. Out of admiration

On its gentler side, we can see imitation as a show of admiration. This occurs because, sometimes, people can copy those who inspire them or that reflect values, attitudes or skills that they would like to possess.

In some way, it is understood that by adopting the ways of acting or attitudes of another, one will also acquire their way of thinking and their strengths.

5. Out of envy and competition

As a negative aspect of people who copy and imitate the personality of others, it is necessary to mention envy, since this can also become a reason for imitation. In these cases, the person experiences disgust when seeing the success and achievements of another, which is why they begin to copy their behavior.

This way, one expects to achieve the same position and success as the one one imitates. This, in many cases, involves taking over the possessions, relationships or positions that person occupies.

Dealing with people who copy and imitate the personalities of others

If someone is copying your personality, try to be empathetic and consider the factors that lead to this. It is likely that he does not realize what he is doing or perhaps he is just looking to alleviate his low self-esteem. Observe this fact as a sign of admiration and, If it is someone you appreciate, help them increase their confidence and identify their own qualities and virtues.

If the situation makes you uncomfortable or is interfering with your professional progress, Find a way to communicate assertively with that person. Remember that he or she is likely to deny it or become defensive, so set clear boundaries and avoid getting into arguments or power struggles.

In any case, it is not in your hands to change others. Therefore, if the situation does not change, perhaps the best option is to protect your energy and your work and distance yourself, as much as possible, from this person. Don’t forget that, above all, you must ensure your well-being.

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