It All Matches Up

Marie Claire – (Image credit: ACE Pictures/REX/Shutterstock)

Years ago my sister made an interesting comment:

Friends who hang out together dress alike. It’s like they’ve become twins and insist on wearing the same matching outfits.

Was she correct?

Do we set our sights on those that already mirror our own selves?

I asked my sister for verification, to which she immediately pointed at me and my galpal. Yes, there we were… both in our blue jeans and boho blouses, hoop earrings and sandals. When you looked at the two of us, we even wore the same shade of lipstick. When we realized our “twin-ship,” we immediately laughed at ourselves. What sort of image were we projecting to the world, in our corresponding Saturday clothes?

Had we started out as lookalikes… or was this something that gradually occurred over time? Or was my sister correct? Do we wind up matching one another as friends? Family members? Even lovers?

This first-hand example had me thinking. Do we gravitate toward others who provide a prime replica of ourselves? While navigating life, do we lean in toward those who seem to meet our speed?

This question came up in a Diversity in Life class I took at Roosevelt University. Raising my hand, I suggested that while we should always strive for diversity, many of us initially (while unintentionally), seek out those who are a reflection of our own selves. My professor insisted that I was being less than fair minded. I argued that it’s human nature to seek those that we match.

This type of following others starts early in life. For example, girls tend to group together on the school playground, while boys are inclined to join with other boys.

We connect with each other based on hobbies, backgrounds, personal values, religion, finances. This initial connection brings us together, where we form bonds based on shared interests.

Does this mean we cannot be more diverse and open minded in our alliances?

Of course not!

So what’s my point here today?

ANSWER: There is no point. I merely think it’s hilarious that my sister correctly pointed out that those of us who hang together also tend to dress alike.

Today’s lunchtime pics demonstrate this interesting phenomena: