Feeling influenced by others' emotions or opinions is a common human experience. There are several reasons why this may happen:
Empathy: Humans are inherently empathetic beings, which means we can pick up on and absorb the emotions of those around us. If someone close to you is feeling happy or sad, you may empathize with them and experience similar emotions.
Mirror neurons: Mirror neurons in our brains play a role in imitating and understanding the actions and emotions of others. When we observe someone experiencing an emotion, our mirror neurons may activate, leading us to feel a similar emotion.
Social bonding: As social creatures, we are wired to form connections with others. When someone we care about expresses strong emotions, it can affect us deeply as we want to maintain social bonds and support those close to us.
Sensitivity: Some individuals are more sensitive to the emotions of others due to their personality traits or upbringing.
Cognitive biases: Our brains are prone to cognitive biases, which can influence how we perceive and respond to emotions in others. For example, confirmation bias might lead us to adopt the emotions of others whose views align with ours.
Validation-seeking: We may seek validation from others, and their opinions or emotions can influence how we feel about ourselves or certain situations.
Lack of emotional boundaries: If you have porous emotional boundaries, it can be challenging to differentiate between your emotions and the emotions of others, leading to a blending of feelings.
To manage the influence of others on your emotions:
Self-awareness: Pay attention to your emotional responses and try to identify whether they are your own or a reaction to someone else's emotions.
Establish boundaries: Set healthy emotional boundaries to protect yourself from absorbing others' emotions excessively.
Practice mindfulness: Being mindful can help you become aware of the present moment and gain control over your emotional responses.
Choose your company wisely: Surround yourself with people who support and uplift you, and limit time with those who consistently bring you down.
Develop emotional regulation skills: Learn techniques to manage your emotions effectively, such as deep breathing, meditation, or seeking professional help if needed.
Seek support: Talk to friends, family, or a therapist about your experiences and feelings. Sometimes, talking to others can provide valuable insights and support.
Remember, while it's natural to be influenced by others, it's essential to maintain a sense of emotional autonomy and take care of your own well-being. Understanding your emotions and building resilience can help you navigate through the influence of others more effectively.