This blog is on an article off pf psyblog called "The Chameleon Effect". This article answered these three questions: Do people automatically mimic others, even strangers? Does mimicry increase liking? Do high-perspective-takers exhibit the chameleon effect more? As it turns out people really do automatically mimic others without being aware of it. I think that by mimicking the actions of the person you are talking to makes you both feel more comfortable thinking that it will be less awkward by acting the same way. Even I tend to find myself shuffling around in circles when the other person moves closer of away. That also answers the second question. People are more comfortable around people like them, so by making the same movements and gestures you create a smooth and unawkward conversation.
One thing to remember is that this is an automatic mimic, that means don't go around mimicking people thinking that they will like you more. If a person mimics too much it gets creepy and instead of getting people to like you it gets them to dislike you.
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I do agree that people tend to mimic others, especially when they first meet. I think I could recall a few times when I have mimiced another person so that the conversation didn't seem awkward. I have to agree with you too that a person who mimics too much can become creepy then I think that that is a little obsessive.
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