Why does my guy friend copy my actions?

[meowcatwoman]

I was stretching my hands out to crack my fingers and he did the same. Also, I was lying down on a guy calling him my bed and my guy friend did the same and laughing. If we are in a group, he looks over to me to see my response to things and makes the same response.

By the way, I know for a fact that he only likes me as a friend and nothing more. I found out the hard way... and we are finally friends again so yeah...

Why does he copy my actions?

[Itstim]

I'm going to give you a social psychology perspective.

What is he doing?

He is mirroring you. Mirroring is the behavior in which one person copies someone else.

This is often observed among couples or close friends.

Occurrence:

Mirroring is common in conversation- people frown when others frown, or smile when others smile. Most don't even realize they are doing it.

"Within the area of self psychology, being mirrored refers 'to all the transactions characterizing the mother–child relationship, including not only the reflections of grandiosity, but also constancy, nurturance, a general empathy and respect' (Kohut, 1977, pp. 146–147).[1] The parents' mirroring responses influence the development and maintenance of self-esteem and self-assertive ambitions. Their response will mirror back to the child a sense of worth, which in turn creates an internal self-respect"

Therefore, it can be concluded that the main reasons mirroring occurs is:

1. This individual suffers from autism or a similar disorder (though you would know if this was the case)

2. Your friend has great respect for you and is seeking your approval- are you disapproving your friend, or does your friend strongly admire you?

3. Your friend is trying to annoy you, or be funny.

Google "mirroring wikipedia" to find out more.

You probably wanted a simple answer, but heck, I posted this instead.

[meowcatwoman]

Actually, I found it rather fascinating. The closest option it seems likely to be would be 2, he admires me. If that is the case, then yay. I'm actually going to read more into this, thanks!

[R3v0lT]

LOL. He's just trying to be funny! You should tell him to stop it, and not copy you.

Everything has its own limit. :P

[meowcatwoman]

haha, okay I will! It isn't that bad but it is awkward having him always look at me when I don't want to accidentally look at him in a way that makes him thinks I like him again. Must be a friend thing...

[Anonymous]

He has probably read that mirroring can engender subconcious feelings of attraction in girls. It's bullsh*t, of course, but desperate young guys will believe any old rubbish.

[Anonymous]

He's teasing you.

[meowcatwoman]

Any ideas why?

And thanks for answering

[Opinion Owner]

I guess he thought it would be funny.

[Anonymous]

It's a sign of interest.

That's called mirroring.