Imaginary Friends, Revealed
Written By Rachel Simpson
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Myth: The typical friend is just a kid's Mini-Me.
Reality: There is no "typical" friend. Diversity rules.
Another bombshell: When it comes to the imaginary friends themselves, there are no identifiable or predictable categories whatsoever.
"I was frustrated at first," admits Taylor, over finding no common physical characteristics across the, um, imaginary friend community. No shared personality traits, gender differences, or anything else.
"They can be anything from a mouse that sits on a shoulder to a flying penguin to a tiny baby in the palm of your hand," Taylor explains. "The diversity is actually the real finding."
Myth: Imaginary friends are the ones who make mistakes, the ones blamed for knocking over that vase.
Reality: They're often more like role models — even idols.
"Kids are thinking about issues around competence — what they can and can't do — and mulling that over in the context of interaction with their imaginary friend," says Taylor. "Who can do somersaults? Who can read? Who can tie their shoes? Who is riding a bike without training wheels? A lot of times the friend will be the one who can do it all."
