DEAR HARRIETTE: A friend of mine constantly asks me what I've been up to, and copies whatever I say. If I'm in on an email newsletter, she will sign up for it. If I go to spin classes, she will start as well. I hate when people copy me. I have tried telling her less about what I am doing and asking her about her interests, but redirecting the conversation doesn't particularly work. I would like my copycat friend to start developing her own interests. How can she stop copying me? -- Copy Cat, Tucson, Arizona
DEAR COPY CAT: Clearly, you and your life are extremely attractive to your friend -- to the point where she has gone overboard in trying to be immersed in your world. Since it seems that you like this friend, why not take the offensive? Invite her to participate in an activity with you. Be inclusive as you experience whatever it is together. When she asks you about other activities or interests, do not answer her questions. This may seem awkward, but if you don't tell her what you are doing, she cannot copy it. You can also tell her that you feel like she is smothering you because she tries to do everything that you do. Suggest that you need a little space. Be sure to tell her it doesn't mean that you don't care about her. It just means that you hope she will choose to develop her individuality more
Well, are they like 5? If you take spinning and someone you know takes it too, then so what? Maybe she just likes her company. And, if she doesn't want the company of this friend, then stop telling her every damn thing! Geez. Is life really that hard!!!
I agree. But, it's a free country. I mean, I live in a small town and there are spinning classes and if you mention it and someone else goes, then so be it. Put on your headphones and spin.
I signed up for spinning years ago and only went to two classes. It was torture on wheels.
Frenemies comes to mind when I read this.
Personally, I would have fun with her. Make up some outlandish story about what you are doing and laugh your ass off when she tries it. "This weekend, I'm studying crustacean sea life on the Ivory Coast." or "I am skydiving into a volcano in Haleakala. And you?"
“You may shoot me with your words, you may cut me with your eyes, you may kill me with your hatefulness, but still, like air, I'll rise!” ― Maya Angelou
Isn't imitation supposed to be the best form of flattery?
Yes
__________________
“You may shoot me with your words, you may cut me with your eyes, you may kill me with your hatefulness, but still, like air, I'll rise!” ― Maya Angelou
Like the OP discovered spinning or something?! She isn't the only person who ever decided to take a spinning class. Is everyone who takes it up after you copying you?! No. The world does not revolve around the OP.
__________________
Out of all the lies I have told, "just kidding" is my favorite !
Does anyone remember Rainfall from the old MM board? She got all pizzy at people wearing some brand of stockings that she wore. They were hacks i tell you....
She was the only original deal ya know. It was epic
I have a SS so anyone who tries to have one is just copying me.
__________________
“You may shoot me with your words, you may cut me with your eyes, you may kill me with your hatefulness, but still, like air, I'll rise!” ― Maya Angelou