Imitation......The Sincerest Form of Flattery? | Kathryn Crawford Wheat

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery? A phrase we have heard many times. First said by Charles Caleb Colton, it’s usually used in an ironic or sarcastic tone. Meant to convey that while you are annoyed that you have been copied, you recognize the fact that whoever has copied you is ultimately paying you a compliment. When this happens do you acknowledge that you have been copied and thank them? Do you wait for them to admit to their lack of individuality? It’s a sticky situation. If you wish to handle it with class, then you should probably just appreciate the compliment, be flattered and keep being original. Perhaps the copycat will eventually discover their own identity after trying out yours.

As individuals, we take in all that we see around us and yes, we tend to imitate things that we see in others that we admire. What makes you, “you” is how you pull from multiple ideas and put them together in your own special way to come up with an approach that makes it uniquely yours. Only drawing from one source is just downright lazy. Being unique takes work and courage.

You have to admit that it’s funny how imitating others can lead to some crazy trends. Just be sure to use some common sense when you are deciding who to imitate and who to declare just plain weird. Can you imagine the first person to go into their hairdresser and say “give me a mullet”? Who would have thought that a crazy haircut like that would be a trend? It took courage for that first person to walk into the street sporting that mullet. Remember the decorating trend in the 70’s where we had multiple, crazy wild colors all over our houses? I remember a purple couch with red shag carpet from my youth. It was awful and I truly hope that style never makes a comeback but during that time, everyone wanted it. I’m sure it would be a hoot to spend a day living in the house from “Cat in the Hat”, but you’d want to get out of Dr. Seuss land and back to normal very quickly.
In the New Year, I challenge you to find your own style. Find what makes you unique. Embrace your idiosyncrasies and learn to love who YOU are. If you find yourself imitated, be flattered. But I challenge you …..don’t be the imitator, be the innovator.