Written by : Shreya Jain
Mirroring, is a phenomenon wherein people mimic another person’s gestures, actions, postures or words, in a social setting. It is a form of non-verbal behavior, and most of the times, it takes place subconsciously. Mirroring is a way of showing trust, empathy, and a way of bonding and staying in tune with the others.
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Mirroring is quite a common phenomenon. It is the elemental nature of human beings. Couples walking in perfect synchronization, pointing fingers at each other in a conversation, thinking while scratching your head, sitting cross legged if the one beside you in a meeting sits so or smiling and laughing when the others in a group do; are all everyday instances of mirroring. Even in politics, we see how Presidents of different countries mirror each other to ascertain trust and harmony. The way a person behaves non-verbally, through his postures, gestures, hand movements, tells a lot about his personality and the way he thinks.
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We all mirror our fellow mates, colleagues, bosses or
partners, just that we are oblivious to the fact that we’re doing so. Mirror
neurons, a set of nerve cells in the brain, are responsible for mirroring.
Activation of these, leads a person to subconsciously mimic the other to allow
a greater level of connection between them. The earliest form of mirroring can
be seen in an infant-parent relationship. Parents are found imitating their
children’s voice, way of speaking and expressions as a way of validating the
child’s emotions. This helps the child bond well with the parents. Infants too,
mimic their parents’ body languages, words, and actions to be able to connect
with them.
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People mirror each other to show that they are on the same
page or wavelength and in sync with one another. It helps establish rapport and
trust between them. Mirroring also shows that a person is willing to understand
the other, empathizes with them or feels connected to them. It is a way of
portraying harmony and comfort in another’s company.
Mirroring is also a technique of survival. Usually, in
offices, the employees mirror their subordinates or the leaders to stay attuned
to them. They all follow unspoken codes of conduct and formal dress codes as a
way of fitting in. Be it bridesmaids adorning the same outfits, bikers wearing
similar clothes in rallies or crowds jumping and applauding at concerts,
they’re all a way of mirroring each other to have a sense of security and
belonging towards the group. It has been a way of survival.
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In all, it is a great way of establishing a good
relationship with someone, as the one being mirrored feels that he is being
reflected in someone else. The fact that someone feels, thinks and acts the way
you do, is enough to form a good bond with them and automatically connect with
them.
Read more interesting posts at - Let's Start Phichology
Read more interesting posts at - Let's Start Phichology
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