Final answer:
People prefer a 'mirror' image of themselves, which is a virtual image seen in a mirror, whereas friends prefer an 'actual' version, a true representation of one's appearance. The correct option is b. mirror; actual.
Step-by-step explanation:
People tend to prefer a mirror image of themselves, which is a virtual image similar to what one sees in a mirror. This is because when we see ourselves in a mirror, we view a reversed version of ourselves that we have become accustomed to. On the other hand, friends tend to prefer an actual version of us, which is a true representation of our appearance from their perspective without the mirror reversal.
To clarify further, a virtual image is one where light rays appear to diverge from a point without actually doing so, like when we look into a mirror. A real image, on the other hand, is formed when light rays converge at a point and can be projected onto a film or retina, as seen in the eye.
Therefore, the correct answer to the fill-in-the-blank question is: People tend to prefer a(n) mirror image of themselves, while their friends prefer a(n) actual version of them. Thus the correct option is: b. mirror; actual.