The feeling of familiarity or connection with some strangers before even talking to them can be attributed to various psychological and social factors:
Implicit Bias: We all carry implicit biases, which are unconscious attitudes and beliefs we have towards certain groups of people. These biases can influence our perceptions and feelings about strangers based on their appearance, ethnicity, or other characteristics.
Mirror Neurons: Mirror neurons in our brains play a role in empathy and social cognition. They are activated not only when we perform a certain action but also when we observe someone else performing the same action. This mirroring effect can create a sense of familiarity and connection with others.
Similarity and Familiarity: We are naturally drawn to people who seem similar to us, whether in appearance, behavior, or interests. When we encounter someone who shares similarities with us or someone we know, we may feel a sense of familiarity.
Cultural Conditioning: Our culture and upbringing shape our social norms and expectations. As a result, we may feel more familiar with people who share similar cultural backgrounds or experiences.
Intuition and Gut Feeling: Sometimes, our intuition or gut feeling can pick up on subtle cues or body language, leading us to feel a connection or familiarity with someone even before engaging in conversation.
Shared Context: If we find ourselves in a specific setting or event where everyone is likely to have a common interest or goal, it can create a sense of camaraderie and familiarity among strangers.
Social Media and Online Connections: With the rise of social media, we often encounter strangers online before meeting them in person. Interactions through social media platforms can create a sense of familiarity and connection even before face-to-face interactions occur.
It's essential to be aware of these feelings of familiarity and not rely on them alone when making judgments about others. While they can create initial positive feelings, it's essential to give space for genuine interactions to understand and know the person better before forming long-lasting opinions or relationships.