[BlossomingLen]

Hello! How're you all doing today? Good, I hope.

I am a very flexible person when it comes to social situations. I can be formal, casual, loud or quiet in any given situation and it’s easy to switch between all of them. The emotions I feel and the thoughts I think are all very hollow and empty in these situations. Truth be told, I’m more displaying what people want me to feel or think. I’m pretty much fine with anything happening, but if people find something to be bad, I’ll go along with them and say it’s bad. If people are super excited about something, I’ll exaggerate how I feel in order to match their enthusiasm.

That’s why my friends always say that I could be companions with anyone. It’s not that I’m being fake, or that I’m scared that people won’t like me if I don’t appreciate what they do. It’s just a natural, instinctual thing for me to do. Sometimes, I do get distressed, mainly when I think too much about things on my own. I think far too much when I’m by myself, too much paranoia, anxiety, and depression. But when I’m with others, I’m completely blank, and I just copy and mimic what emotions they display.

Do any of you do this as well? Is this some kind of symptom of something, or is this completely normal behavior? I’m really unsure. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

[Molinit]

Are you on the autism spectrum? My brother is and he merely mimics emotion and parrots thoughts that he thinks people want to hear. It's one of the reasons he no longer lives with me--it's not fun living with someone like that.

[BlossomingLen]

Originally Posted by Molinit

Are you on the autism spectrum? My brother is and he merely mimics emotion and parrots thoughts that he thinks people want to hear. It's one of the reasons he no longer lives with me--it's not fun living with someone like that.

I don't believe so? I've never gotten tested for it. My little brother has a form of autism, actually. But him and I act pretty much the opposite when compared to one another. I've always wondered if I do, though, since my older half-brother is suspected to have autism as well. But my mom has said that she doesn't think I have it.

Who knows! It's certainly a thought, though. Thank you so much!

[Thunder Bow]

You are "Normal", when one is alone one is more aware of their feelings. It is sorta like looking into an emotional mirror. When on is with others it is is easy to get caught up in the process in what is going on.

[kamikazebaby]

It sounds like you're doing an extreme form of mirroring. I used to do that more when I was younger. "Empty" of my own self (which was somewhere underneath) while reading and reflecting people's expectations and wishes. These days I have to remain mindful of my tendency to mirror/chameleon, especially where I differ from the other person. For me, this behavior ended up being associated with BPD, but I'm not sure what it might mean for you.

(((hugs)))

[Shaly78]

Well, I would want my friend to show(mimicking) the same enthusiasm for the good and bad....It depends, for the rest of this on whether your required to analyze a situation with your friend, does it stay hollow and empty. Are you guys every really close and make decision together like a partner? Some people are listener and encouragers. I truly understand and have been there!! I have problems in this area, therapy has helped me greatly, it's just that it is still easier not to accumulate too much stress if I keep really small circles, cause people tend to take advantage of certain things when your that flexible....You have to find that balance because we do need people for many reasons...... Is this the case when your with friends in a say home setting? Do your friends stop hanging out with you and you begin to examine what might be the problem? I guess you could benefit from therapy to help with those skills. How are you at work? Use those skills they are transferrable lol.

[DarknessForever]

Originally Posted by Thunder Bow

You are "Normal", when one is alone one is more aware of their feelings. It is sorta like looking into an emotional mirror. When on is with others it is is easy to get caught up in the process in what is going on.

I agree with this. I know for a fact I do some of the same. I have too many emotions to deal with, then I am like a different person when I leave my house. For me, it is as is no one really gets to know the real me. You aren't alone in this.