You’ve seen her. She’s friendly, fun, and engaging. She’s got a talent for fitting into any situation. A valuable skill if not completely genuine. Though she can be genuine. She truly cares about her friends. Not so much their needs, as to what they think of her. Her family takes second place, though. After all, they have to love her. No challenge there.
Starlet is the end-all, be-all. At work, she’s the Energizer Bunny. Her co-workers wonder how they ever got along without her. Their accolades feed her need for approval.
At church, she matches the same attitude. Enthusiasm exudes. She might not actually volunteer for anything, but she’ll be in the center of any event in which she’s involved. And you can bet, when any desperate situation begins, she’s in the center of it. Usually as the victim.
See, Starlet has an addiction. She must have attention. Part of her need lies in the constant approval she seeks. Part of it resides with her boredom. Drama allows Starlet to play leading lady in any tragic situation. So drama follows her wherever she goes.
If the drama fails or if someone else draws attention away, Starlet has been known to have creative moments in her victimized life. Stated simply, she’s not above making up problems if they will keep her in the leading lady role.
In private, the real Starlet tends to seep out. Approval is her number one goal. Her loved ones must cherish her at all times. If the objects of her affection don’t dote on her, she’ll attempt to impress them, shock them, or upset them into giving her the attention she wants. If they do begin to show her the adoration she craves, she will normally ignore them, taking their attention for granted, and mistreating them for the trouble.
Attention the goal. Drama the avenue. That’s the life of the Starlet.
Your Turn: I most recently saw the character of Starlet in Cara, the main character’s girlfriend in GOD’S NOT DEAD. She took complete control of her boyfriend, insisting that she be his “most important person.” When the main character admitted that God was his answer, she tossed her hair, saying, “And God wants you with me.” When was the last time you witnessed the character of Starlet?
Marji Laine 