Have you ever noticed how your behaviour changes depending on who you’re with?

Maybe you’re more reserved around co-workers but let loose with friends, or maybe you adopt a different tone when speaking to family.

This phenomenon of altering our behaviour based on social context is both fascinating and complex.

Let’s explore why we act differently around other people and what influences these changes.

Why We Act Differently Around Others

Social Expectations and Norms

Every social setting comes with its own set of expectations and norms.

When we’re at work, professionalism is typically the norm, leading to more formal behaviour. Conversely, a casual gathering with friends allows for more relaxed and spontaneous interactions.

We often subconsciously align our behaviour with the expectations of those around us, striving to fit in or meet social standards.

Self-Presentation and Identity

We all wear different hats depending on the situation. This idea, often discussed in social psychology, suggests that we project our identities based on our audience.

You might project confidence and authority in a leadership role, while being more vulnerable and playful with close friends. This shift helps us navigate our social environments more effectively, allowing us to present ourselves in a way that resonates with those around us.

Influence of Social Dynamics

The dynamics of a group can significantly impact individual behaviour. Factors such as group size, the presence of authority figures, or the behaviour of peers can lead us to act differently.

For example, in larger groups, individuals may feel less pressure to conform, leading to more freedom in expression. In contrast, smaller groups or one-on-one interactions might encourage deeper conversation and vulnerability.

Emotional Contagion

Humans are social beings, and our emotions can be contagious.

When we’re around someone who is upbeat and lively, we might find ourselves adopting a similar mood. This phenomenon, known as emotional contagion, illustrates how our feelings and behaviours are influenced by those we interact with, causing us to adjust our actions accordingly.

Cultural Context

Cultural background plays a big role in shaping how we behave in different social settings. Various cultures have distinct norms around communication, personal space, and emotional expression.

This means that our behaviour can shift not only between different social groups but also based on cultural expectations. For example, someone from a culture that values directness may communicate differently than someone from a culture that prioritizes indirectness.

Psychological Factors

Personal psychology, or one’s general personality type, also affects how we behave around others.

Introverts, for example, might find social situations draining, leading them to act more reserved, while extroverts thrive in the same environments, often exhibiting more animated behaviours.

Our past experiences, self-esteem, and comfort levels with different social groups also contributes to these variations in behaviour.

Situational Awareness and Adaptability

Lastly, our ability to read social cues and adapt our behaviour is a key component of social interaction.

This situational awareness allows us to navigate complex social landscapes. By observing how others behave and responding accordingly, we can better engage with those around us, allowing for more meaningful connections.

Final Thoughts

As we’ve seen, our tendency to act differently around certain people is affected by various factors.

I’d like to think there’s no way that’s me, what you see is what you get! But thinking about it, I have to admit there might be several masks I put on throughout the day depending on the situation.

And while it can actually sometimes feel like we’re putting on a mask, these adaptations are often natural and necessary for navigating our complex social world.

Have you ever met someone that takes great pride in how “blunt” they are? While that may be admirable in many situations, often our human interactions require a lot more nuance and emotional intelligence to navigate successfully.

What do you think?

Please let me know in the comments, and thanks for reading.

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