Help, I Stole My Best Friend’s Identity
Throughout your life, you go through endless phases: varying periods of time, when you become fixated on one artist, hobby, sport, style, attitude, or whatever it may be. You will also experience the come and go of connections, relationships, and friendships. You may even start to notice a fixation on a particular person, who generally will become your best friend.
'Best friend' is a very fluid term that can describe whoever you feel the closest connection to at any point in your life. A best friend can be a person of the same or opposite sex, a significant other, or even a relative. These friendships can last weeks, years, or, in some cases, a lifetime.
When first forming an intimate relationship with someone, many of us tend to do something quite peculiar: We pick up on their behavior, often outright copying their demeanor, interests, habits, fashions, etc. In some cases, it can be one person simply copying the other, and in other cases, it can be two individuals acquiring each other's nature.
No matter the circumstances, after diving heavily into a relationship with someone, whether platonic or romantic, at some point, you may realize that you are no longer your own person, but a clone of your best friend. Or maybe it's the other way around, and you begin to recognize that your best friend has become another version of you. You talk the same, act the same, dress the same, listen to the same music, enjoy partaking in the same activities, and maybe even have the same goals and aspirations. It makes you wonder how you got to this point and why it happened.
As we wander through life, we are continuously searching for a sense of self. It comes and goes on a situational basis; some find it earlier than others, and some continue their pursuit of identity for the entirety of their existence. Those in particular who struggle to gain an understanding of their character are more susceptible to inheriting the persona of another.
Without a proper understanding of who one is as a person, one may look to others for inspiration and guidance. It's typical for an individual to become fixated on someone who lives a life they aspire to have. Surrounding yourself with someone you have admiration for can be beneficial, inspiring you to pursue your goals and embark on new adventures, something you may not have had the guts to do without their push. People tend to rub off on each other, especially regarding good energy and perspective.
It's not bad to follow in a close friend's footsteps and pick up on their positive aspects, but it can become problematic with the wrong attitude and intentions. It's vital to remain mindful of the person you are or are in the pursuit of becoming. Evolving into a replica of your best friend isn't favorable to either person in the relationship, simply because it strips the authenticity of both individuals. Human uniqueness is one of life's beauties, and harming your or another's individuality has no benefits.
Having similar interests and attitudes as a best friend is lovely and can be essential to a healthy relationship. Picking up on mannerisms and positive attributes of this person can also be advantageous, as long as it's done in moderation. Remember: not knowing who you are to the fullest extent is not negative; it's simply life. Utilizing the people around you to better understand yourself and your potential is an amazing thing. Surround yourself with good people, but stay true to the person you are and the journey to learning more about you.
Strike Out,
Morgan Harms
Boca Raton
Morgan Harms is a Content Writer for Strike Magazine Boca. She is a Pisces mermaid with a love for the ocean. She spends her free time daydreaming, wave-watching, and blasting whatever music she’s into that day. You can reach her by email at morganjharms@gmail.com or on Instagram @morganjharms.
