Welcome to Hey Roni!, the corner of the grid where opinions are loud, sarcasm is free, and no pixel is safe from a little side-eye. Every Thursday, ‘Hey Roni’ will dive headfirst into resident-submitted questions with heartfelt dilemmas and give genuine advice or get on her soapbox and share one of her infamous Roni’s Rants, nothing is off limits.
This column is written strictly for entertainment and satirical purposes. The opinions, observations, hot takes, and questionable life choices expressed by Roni are solely her own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of SL Insider, its staff, affiliates, partners, advertisers, or anyone with common sense.
Hey Roni,
I recently made a new friend in Second Life, and she’s been wonderful. We get along great, we shop together, laugh together, and she’s genuinely one of the sweetest people I’ve met.
There’s just one tiny problem… She has apparently decided that I am her personal style guide.
At first it was flattering. I’d buy a new hairstyle. The next day… she had it.
Then I’d buy a cute outfit. The next time we hung out… there she was wearing the exact same outfit.
Okay, coincidence.
Then it became every hairstyle.
Every outfit.
Every pair of shoes.
Every accessory.
And not just the same items…The same colors. The same patterns. The same HUD choices.
Now she’s even started tweaking her shape, and every time I see her she looks just a little bit more… me.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m thrilled the designers are making extra sales because of it, and imitation is supposedly the sincerest form of flattery.
But I like having my own style.
I spend a lot of time putting outfits together, experimenting with colors, and creating a look that feels uniquely me. I don’t expect to be the only person wearing a particular outfit, but I also wasn’t planning on accidentally creating my own identical twin.
The awkward part is that she’s a new friend, and I really don’t want to hurt her feelings. I don’t think she’s doing it to be creepy. (I hope).
Is there a kind way to tell someone, “You’re amazing… but I don’t really want a clone,” without sounding like a complete jerk?
Signed,
Seeing Double
Dear Seeing Double,
Oh Girl, I don’t think you’re being a jerk at all.
One of every woman’s biggest nightmares is showing up to a party wearing the exact same dress as someone else. Then comes the inevitable question… “Who wore it better?”
And nobody wants that! Especially when you’ve spent time and effort putting together a style that feels uniquely yours.
Now, before we sound the alarm, I do think it’s important to figure out why she’s copying you.
Hopefully, it’s simply admiration.
But…
if she’s tweaking her shape too, I’m not going to lie… it’s starting to feel just a little Single White Female-esque.
Has she started trying to insert herself into your friend group as “the other you?” Has she begun mimicking your mannerisms? Have you found any photographs where you’ve mysteriously been cropped out?
Okay… maybe I’m getting carried away.
…but those are definitely things I’d keep an eye on if the behavior continues.
Now, if you’re convinced her intentions are completely innocent, I have a different approach.
Become her Fairy God-Designer!
You already enjoy spending time together, so lean into that. Take her shopping. Have a girls’ spa day. Wander events together. Help her discover her style instead of borrowing yours.
Ask what colors make her feel beautiful.
Help her find a hairstyle that screams her name instead of yours.
Compliment her when she tries something different.
Become her biggest cheerleader as she builds an identity that’s all her own.
You can even buy matching outfits if that’s your thing… just encourage her to pick a different color. Coordinate instead of duplicate.
Tell her you want a partner in crime. A dynamic duo.
Not your long-lost identical twin.
If she’s simply looking up to you, she’ll probably appreciate your help and eventually blossom into her own unique style.
But…
If she pushes back, refuses every suggestion, and insists on becoming your carbon copy despite your gentle encouragement…
Well…I’d probably start creating a little distance.
Because admiration is healthy.
Identity theft with a shopping HUD?
Not so much.
Got a question for Hey Roni?
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