Greetings.
There is a significant distinction between "extreme" imitation and "ultimate" imitation. While extreme imitation can potentially have adverse effects, ultimate imitation is likely to become a distinctive ability of the imitator. Consequently, the negative psychological well-being of the students residing in the same dormitory is a tangible reality, and such negative consequences impact others and evoke discomfort.
In the absence of an internalized sense of self-worth, individuals may resort to external sources of validation and affirmation. This can manifest as a desire to gain new value through imitation.
An individual's self-identity is contingent upon a stable sense of self-worth. In the absence of a firmly established sense of self-worth, an individual may exhibit erratic behavior and a wavering state of mind, often preoccupied with concerns about gains and losses.
The reason for this situation is that, as an adult, she has held an erroneous concept, which has not been corrected. Once corrected, she can restore her self-confidence, cease worrying about everything, and stop being in a state of tension and confusion. This is a common phenomenon for adults in difficult situations: for example, the girl they originally liked rejected them, and they felt that their self-worth no longer existed, so they became extremely negative about themselves, or they encountered setbacks at work, and other people's careless words took root in their hearts, making them feel that they are inferior to others in every way.
Secondly, throughout her developmental process, she has never received affirmation or a positive response from others, which has resulted in a lack of certainty regarding her self-worth. For instance, her family members frequently negate her, scold her, and fail to recognize her merits. Individuals who are raised in an environment where they are not affirmed will often exhibit heightened sensitivity and concern about whether they are liked and loved by others in adulthood.
Although the situation with the questioner's roommate is unclear, it is evident that she is denying her own identity and imitating others in an attempt to gain a sense of security. This mentality can be defined as an inferiority complex, which is a common psychological phenomenon. However, if it is excessive, it can lead to serious psychological problems.
One of my roommates consistently denigrated herself for being impoverished, despite the relative ease of her family circumstances. At the time, I was aware that her background was indeed challenging, and that many people simply ignored her incessant complaints. It was not until several instances that I first observed her making unsubstantiated comparisons between family backgrounds, attire, and grades. This led me to perceive her as anomalous. The last occasion on which I evaluated her, I concluded that she was internally inferior and distorted. This was shortly after she returned from shopping, when she immediately began rummaging through the bags and clothes of a wealthy individual, repeatedly asking herself, "Can you eat something so expensive?" Her behavior involved constant comparisons with others. A group of individuals swiftly discerned that she was envious and inferior. However, her actions were no longer deserving of sympathy, as she had transgressed the boundaries of interpersonal relationships and lacked the respect she owed her roommates.
If she had a firm grasp on the concepts of self-respect and self-esteem, as well as an understanding of the importance of maintaining personal boundaries, it is difficult to comprehend how she could have engaged in such an ill-advised action.
The affluent young woman then addressed the girl with low self-esteem with a look that was both sincere and contemptuous. She instructed the girl to refrain from touching her belongings, stating that her actions were inappropriate and that it was her prerogative to purchase expensive items. In response, the girl with low self-esteem calmly departed, reiterating her previous excuses. She acknowledged the financial advantages of being wealthy but questioned the cost-effectiveness of the purchase, stating that it was unnecessary and excessive. Despite this, she did not experience any sense of shame.
A person's behavior may reflect their thoughts, or it may reflect their fixed personality and persistent lifestyle. It is not easy to gain insight into another person's innermost thoughts and feelings, unless one is able to gain access to their inner world or unless the person in question is willing to reveal their thoughts and feelings. Either way, it is a challenging endeavor.
The question thus arises as to how one might extricate oneself from this quandary.
The appropriate response depends on the severity of the situation. If your roommate belongs to the first type and is simply unaware of the impact of her actions, it may be helpful to explain that her behavior is disruptive and hinders your ability to pursue your own progress. You could suggest that, while you do not intend to impose your personal preferences on her, the situation is challenging to navigate within the same living space. You might then propose that she consider finding a different roommate.
It is important to communicate in a tactful and respectful manner. It is understandable that no one wishes to be imitated to the point of affecting their lives, and it is reasonable to expect that individuals do not want a clone in their lives, as it can cause confusion.
If, following some probing, it becomes evident that the individual in question is of the second type, it is imperative that the questioner convey the following message in a serious and assertive manner: "It is imperative that you cultivate your inner self-confidence. It is erroneous to assume that one's sense of worth can be ascertained by blindly emulating the actions of others. It is essential to accept and affirm your own identity. Individuals who lack an independent personality are unlikely to be appreciated by others. To enhance your inner self-confidence, it is recommended that you engage in activities such as reading books, listening to psychological FM, seeking psychological counseling, and so forth. However, it is unwise to rely on external forces that may not align with your personal values to facilitate change. This approach is irresponsible towards oneself and can potentially lead to adverse consequences for others."
Maintaining composure when communicating with others will prevent the invitation of unwarranted hostility. In the event that one's roommate exhibits behaviors as extreme as those described earlier, and is unable to listen to reason, it is necessary to take action. This may entail either avoiding the individual directly or relocating to a different dormitory. The latter option is a viable means of obtaining the peaceful student life that is a fundamental right.
From the description, it can be seen that the questioner is a person who is afraid of conflict. However, it is important to note that not every situation can be resolved through mere reflection. In the event that someone's actions have significantly disrupted one's life, it is essential to speak up and convey one's feelings to the other person. While humility is a virtue often associated with gentlemen, it is not a universal trait.
I wish you the best of success!
Comments
This situation sounds incredibly frustrating and it's understandable that you're feeling this way. Everyone should have their personal space respected.
It's really tough when someone mirrors your actions so closely, especially in a living environment where you expect some level of privacy and individuality.
I can see why this would make you feel uncomfortable. It seems like she might be looking up to you, but it's important for both of you to maintain your own routines.
It's hard when someone follows your lead all the time. Maybe she feels pressure to keep up or is unsure of how to establish her own schedule. Have you considered talking to her about it?
Feeling watched and mimicked can definitely take a toll on one's peace of mind. It might help to set boundaries or discuss how you're feeling with her openly.