The feeling you are describing is often referred to as "déjà vu" or a sense of familiarity. Déjà vu is a French term that translates to "already seen." It is a psychological phenomenon where a person feels like they have experienced or encountered a situation, person, or place before, even though they know they haven't.
In the context of meeting someone for the first time and feeling like you have known them long ago, it may be related to a strong sense of connection or a feeling of comfort and ease in their presence. This feeling can occur when you share similar interests, values, or life experiences with the person, creating a sense of familiarity.
Some possible explanations for déjà vu and this feeling of familiarity include:
Similar past experiences: The person may remind you of someone you have known in the past, even if you can't consciously recall the specific individual.
Shared characteristics: If the person shares common personality traits or behaviors with someone you know well, it might trigger a sense of familiarity.
Shared interests and values: When you find someone who shares your interests and values, it can create an instant connection and make you feel like you've known them for a long time.
Unconscious recognition: It's possible that your brain is processing subtle cues from the person's appearance or behavior, leading to a feeling of familiarity.
Parallel experiences: If the person has had similar life experiences or has gone through situations you've encountered, it could create a sense of shared history.
It's important to note that while déjà vu and feelings of familiarity can be intriguing, they are psychological phenomena, and the reasons behind them can vary from person to person. In most cases, they are harmless and considered a normal aspect of human cognition.