Copycat

pic fr. dollmakersdream.com

They say "Imitation is the best form of flattery". I agree and if one is confident of herself or secure, this shouldn't be a problem if you're the one being imitated. You usually take the higher road. Hindi mo na pinapatulan because there are other issues that are far more important. I remember when my siblings and I were young girls pa, pang-asar namin yung "weeeh gaya-gaya, puto maya!" Noon kapag ginagawa namin manggaya, our purpose is  mang-inis. We were immature of course. But as one grows up, naiiba ang concept mo about it. At least ginagaya ka. There's something about you na hinahangaan. Might be your good taste on things or your values as a person. Idol or inspiration, they say.

But how does one go overboard?

When copyright infrigements are involved. When credit isn't acknowledge with one's work like articles that you've written or photos that you posted online. If it involves ethics. Or as simple as OA na. Yung halatang halata na to the point of being rude. Tapos deadma siya at wala nang pakialam sa iisipin mo. You'll feel violated. You won't know how to react. Niloloko ba ako nito? One can't help but think if this person is mocking you. Annoying because he/she is being disrespectful. It's understandable if one is still young. You'll need maturity and wisdom for that over the years from your experiences. Pero kung makunat na ang balat tulad ng pusit na overcooked, mukhang hindi na paghanga lang ang nararamdaman na ng mga taong ganito.

Lack of education perhaps? Values? Self-worth or self-esteem issues is another culprit. They feel they lack the necessary strengths to create out of nothing of from what they have. I know it's human nature sometimes to be influenced/inspired by, but at the end of the day, one should try to create one's path, work hard, try to be original and be good enough to pull it off.