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Self-perception changing spontaneously?


Posts: 18

There's an odd thing I've always experienced, and I wonder whether it's part of unusual neurology, or if it's much more normal than I think. I've never heard anyone else describe it, though. Maybe you all can offer your perspectives.

Usually, my self perception is automatically constantly shifting between first-person and third-person; I'm both observing my surroundings, and imagining how others are perceiving me. However, often I'll spend a long while talking to a person, then afterwards suddenly that third-person concept I have of myself isn't my face, but the face of the person I was watching and connecting with. It also often happens with a certain character after I've been watching a lot of a show or movie. When I move my face, I am picturing my friends face or some actor's face making the movement instead of my own.

Again, I've never heard this described by anyone else, but I doubt that I'm the only one who experiences it. 

I wonder how this relates to neurology. I can imagine how it might have to do with mirror neurons and empathy, but I can also see how it could be part of sociopathy. I often hear (and relate to) descriptions of sociopaths as chameleons or blank slates, their personalities shifting constantly to match and charm anyone around them. There's also that popular sociopath mask metaphor. 

Anyways, tell me what you all think.

 

Posts: 1286
Self-perception changing spontaneously?

clearly you need to stop doing drugs.

jk (mostly)

but for real, everyone does this, it's quite normal to inventory ourselves during conversations to gauge the perceptions of others. And this is related to our mirror neuron system, because during this time you are analyzing your emotions in the same way you would anothers. You are running simulations on what your proper behavior should be based on outside stimuli.

There's nothing unusual here... carry on.

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