Mirror Neurons Fire Better at Close Range

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http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/04/mirrormirror.html

From the article:
The findings suggest an expanded role for mirror neurons in social interaction. Not only do they facilitate quick comprehension, but they may also help us instantly decide whether to respond and interact. If our friend drops the bottle of wine, we're ready to swoop in before it crashes to the floor. When someone special puckers up, you don't have to think before leaning in for the kiss.

I don't think the two are that closely related. If I saw a falling bottle of wine I would instinctively try to catch it, not because I'm empathizing with what my friend is doing, but because I'm thinking "Oh s**t! That's gonna make a mess." With the other half of that paragraph, my experience has been the exact opposite. I have to think before doing anything. If a woman comes in for a kiss that I'm not expecting, she'll usually be kissing air as I recoil in shock. It's not that I don't want to, it's just, ya know, damn ... I need some warning before my "peripersonal" space gets invaded. I don't have to be told explicitly, but I do need time to analyze the situation; like "It's a romantic moment, she's giving me a look, and moving a little closer — oh, she want's me to kiss her." Does anyone else have this reaction? Do most people only grab the wine because they feel that's what their friend wants to do?

the wine seems like a really poorly thought out analogy. I agree, people would probably focus more on their clothes or the carpet.

Does my dog catch the ball because of what I'm thinking?
does my jump in Donkey Kong go because i associate with Mario ?

Seems like hand/eye coordination and how alert you are than anything.