Empathy is (among other things) the ability to mirror the emotions of another person, and act appropriately. But isn't it a lot better to mirror the entire person? To almost become that person so that he or she thinks they are talking to someone who is just like them? I do this all the time and automatically. Who I "am" depends a lot one the other person. It's also interests and stuff I talk about that I (mostly without thinking about it) "tailor" for the situation. I know a lot and I'm interested in many different subjects, so I can talk to anyone about anything. I get along equally well with a teenage boy, and old woman, an academic, a computer nerd, a woman my age, a hobo and so on. Of course it's easy to be liked by people and make friends when you adapt to people.
I have discussed this with some people who are or think (or at least suspect) that they are psychopaths/sociopaths. They recognized some of this in themselves. I general I think (more like know) that this is something most people do. Almost everyone plays roles and acts differently depending on the company or the situation. It's so obvious or commonly known that it's almost not necessary to mention it. Some people have a bit of trouble with this however...
I also asked a guy long ago that with all these roles (or masks), when am I myself? His answer was that I am myself when I'm alone. Sadly I'm not so sure about that. At least in my home I do not feel more like "myself" than when I'm with people. That is just one more role. I have however discovered something that makes me feel more like "myself". If anyone is interested I can write about it later.