Get Your Friend to Stop Copying You

When someone starts copying you, it can get annoying, especially if it is one of your friends. It may be hard to solve this problem, but with a little help, you will be able to stop it, and still be friends with him/her.

Steps

Working out why your friend copies you

  1. Think about why your friend is copying you. Is it because of something you did? Is it because of the way you act or think? Figure out why they would want to do this.
  2. Ask your friend politely why they are copying you. This will help to reinforce your initial thoughts, but do not say anything rude. For example, "______, why are you copying my coursework? That's my work, not yours." Don't be too rough, otherwise you could hurt his/her feelings.

Getting your friend to stop the copycat behavior

  1. If your friend says something like "I like the way you walk/speak", say thank you and compliment them. Maybe, they don't like their own way of speaking
  2. Tell your friend to be their own person. Suggest that your friend develop some self confidence rather than be someone they're not.
  3. If your friend is really persistent, tell them that they are jeopardizing your friendship if they continue to copy you. This should be a clear warning that if they do not stop, they will lose your friendship.
  4. If they still do not stop, then it means that they did not take into consideration your feelings, and that they are not being a good friend.
  5. If nothing works, talk to them privately and yell if you really really really have to. Never yell at her in front of anyone else; they will think you're mean and snobby.
  6. See if any of their other friends have the same problem. Then you can discuss it with them.
  7. See if somebody else can talk to them for you. Ask them "Doesn't ______ do that too?"
  8. Tell them that the things you do are "your" things and they need to get their own life. Say that if they copy one more thing, they will hurt you. Two more, you will die. Three more and they’ll tell the teacher. Four more, and you’ll tell your mom and you won’t invite them to your house.
  9. If they persist, tell your friends that your friend is copying you and that she won't stop and she will not get the mark she deserves.
  10. Go OTT. You could try saying that you love a particular famous person and go really overboard with it (e.g put them as your profile picture, poster something that's easy to get rid of, etc). If they start to do it too, then you can be sure that this friendship isn't working out. They're just not worth it.
  11. Share your bad experiences with your friend, so that they can see that you are not as perfect as they think. But if they are your sister or brother, tell your mom or dad.
    • If that doesn't work out then just give them the silent treatment. They might tell your mom or dad, so you can bribe them.
  12. If that is not working, try to have them to do stuff first. Example: You are choosing what you want from your favorite fast food place and you say you want a double cheeseburger and they say they want the same. You should have told them to order first.
  13. Try the embarrassing change-up. Go shopping with your friend. Choose things that you know would make you embarrassed to wear and that most people would laugh at. On the way home, say that everyone will be jealous and that you will wear the clothes on Monday. When you know that your friend will not possibly see you, go to the store and return everything, getting the latest fashion style based clothing in exchange. When you show up at school on Monday, look to see your friend's face when you see each other. If this works as you hope, your friend will realize that they were tricked and that by continuing to copy, they can be even more embarrassed than right now!

Tips

  • You might be mad at them, but watch what you say.
  • Be subtle and calm when you approach your friend. Do not just blurt out something like, "Why on earth are you copying me!"
  • Dispose of your old copies properly so they can't just retrieve them from the trash can.
  • Have a gentle chat with that person and ask if they could take the work they copied and rip it up or if you could have it and rip it up.
  • If it is something minor, like they bought the same trousers as you, it could be that they just like the design. Do not just jump straight in before knowing all the facts.
  • Imitation is the best form of flattery. Once they stop copying you, you might even miss it a little. It's almost like you have a fan! Maybe keep them around, doesn't mean you have to be their best friend.
  • If you can get the point across try to skip yelling. It adds unnecessary drama and possibly losing a friend.
  • Always ensure that your friend is purposefully copying you before you take drastic measure that may jeopardize your friendship. They may be doing it subconsciously.
  • Keep their feelings in mind too. Don't yell at them to loud, don't embarrass them too much, etc.
  • If they don't stop copying you tell the teacher or a parent.
  • Tell them you're not perfect and see if they stop. If they don't then tell a trusted adult.
  • Don't hold it in; tell your friend that this is very irritating. Ask your friend to stop, not shout it though.

Warnings

  • Be absolutely certain that they are actually copying you, then take action, or you could upset your friend.
  • Physical force is never acceptable.
  • Don't approach them if you're not one-hundred percent sure they are copying you.
  • Don't be rude or offensive.

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