When people get mad or upset when you start treating them how they treat you, it can be due to several reasons:
Lack of Self-awareness: Some individuals may not be fully aware of their behavior or how they treat others. When you mirror their behavior back to them, it may highlight their actions, leading to discomfort or defensiveness.
Double Standards: They might have double standards and believe that they are entitled to certain behaviors or treatment that they do not extend to others. When you treat them the same way they treat you, it challenges their sense of entitlement.
Unfairness Perception: They may feel that it's unfair for you to treat them the way they treat you, as they might not recognize their own negative actions while emphasizing yours.
Insecurity: Being treated the same way they treat others can evoke feelings of insecurity or vulnerability in some individuals. They might be used to asserting control or power over others and feel threatened when it's turned back on them.
Ego and Pride: If someone has a strong ego or a lot of pride, they might not take well to being treated in a way that they perceive as negative or disrespectful.
Defensiveness: People who are defensive about their behavior might react with anger or frustration when confronted with their actions being mirrored.
Lack of Empathy: Some individuals may lack empathy or fail to understand how their actions affect others. When you treat them the same way, it can be a wake-up call that their behavior has consequences.
Fear of Losing Control: People who are used to being in control of situations or relationships might react negatively when they feel that control slipping away.
It's important to remember that while mirroring someone's behavior can sometimes be an effective way to highlight their actions, it might not always lead to a positive outcome. In some cases, it can escalate conflicts or strain relationships further.
If you find yourself in a situation where you feel the need to mirror someone's behavior, consider whether this approach is constructive and if there are healthier ways to address the issues at hand. Communication and empathy are often more effective tools in resolving conflicts and fostering understanding.