Psychology suggests the friend who unconsciously copies your posture across the diner booth isn't mocking you; the classic 1999 "chameleon effect" study found this quiet mimicry actually builds rapport and liking

People unconsciously mimic each other's gestures and postures during conversations. This chameleon effect can promote affiliation and make interactions feel smoother. Early research suggested this mimicry builds liking, but later studies show inconsistent results. Unconscious mimicry is real and documented, though its connection to liking is not always strong. The effect varies with context and personality, not being a universal sign of affection.