Let's be honest, everyone loves having the occasional glory-hallellujiah moment in the spotlight, because these moments tend to yeild massive amounts of complimentary feedback and PCP-worthy boosts in self confidence. This emotional high is pleasurable, lasting, and memorable, kind of like really great sex. Unfortunately, it has its addictive qualities, and has therefore spawned addicts.
You know who I'm talking about, the people who go to excessive lengths to get a constant flow of attention from the people around them. There are different levels of intensity of their attention-whoreness, it could be always talking about their own achievments in any conversation, no matter what the topic, to faking a pregnancy when their best friend has just recieved recognition from the schoolboard. I've seen it happen.
Or, my favorite breed of attention-addict: the compliment fishers. Constantly self-bashing, yet always hoping someone will disgree and tell them how wonderful they truly are(n't), the compliment fishers are definitely the most common and most obnoxious attention-seeker to have to deal with. Their inadequacy issues usually start from their parents, and they begin seeking attention as a way to get parental approval, and eventually approval of anyone. They want to feel good enough, so they constantly try to get people to tell them that they are.
Ugh.
I can't say I'm not guilty of seeking the spotlight on occasion, and I know I go on compliment-fishing trips from time to time, hey, I'm human, I need some lovin'. Those who are constantly in search of the limelight, however, need no more lovin' than they deserve.
On a slightly sweeter note: I will soon be making a pilgrimage to the land of the Colorado hippies with Cassi, and I'm quite looking forward to that.
This post rings so true, it makes me a little chilly...
ReplyDeleteAttention whores. I detest the lot of them.
Yay for the land of the Colorado hippies. This weekend? I have a huge ass essay due next week...but I'll work around that, haha.
ReplyDeleteI love this post. It's very well written.
I don't get angry with attention whores to be honest, becuase at times I feel that it would be slightly hypocritical despite the fact that my morals differ. I do however feel a tad of benevolence for them, becuase they don't see themselves, and no one has the courage to explain it to them. You don't just walk up to people and scream "You were malnourished with attention as a child and it shows! Grow up."...Well at least I know I would have trouble being that straight up with others. I'd rather just try and help them. That may be the attention they're looking for.
But I love your point, and I love you.
<3
I'm here through Ross' blog, who I just found out is a brand-spankin' new follower of mine.
ReplyDeleteThis post made me smile, as I'm a self-professed attention whore. SOMETIMES. Depends on my mood, depends on my audience. I will say though that I never steal the spotlight from someone else; if they're getting attention or accolades it's probably because they deserve it right? I'm happy to give them their due; we all have our moment in the sun sooner or later.
Still, I find there are few rushes greater than making a room full of people laugh or smile.