Rewriting Main Character Syndrome
The main character is the businesswoman IT-girl, the sexy bad boy with a troubled past, the teenager trying to find themself in a coming-of-age novel or movie. In the modern day, the “main character” has become anyone, often an influencer, model, or celeb, with a traditionally successful and picture-perfect life– and a bit of an ego.
Image Courtesy: Tumblr
However, the average person on social media often looks down upon these figures as narcissistic, self-obsessed, and straight-up obnoxious. The public has so heavily criticized these people that psychological terminology has even been created to address the so-called problem plaguing them: “Main Character Syndrome.”
As much as it is a bit distasteful to equate (let's be honest) a TikTok trend to an actual medical condition, Main Character Syndrome has taken a spot in social media vernacular and become a well-known–and mocked– phenomenon. But let’s take a step back. What actually is Main Character Syndrome? Women’s Health Magazine describes the term as an “‘intentional way that a person thinks of themself as the key player in their life and views it through a storytelling lens…,” according to clinical psychologist and professor Ramani Durvasula. Looking at this definition, oblivious to its cultural context, I think: what’s so ridiculous about wanting to be the main character?
Obviously, I’m not here to tell you to live your life through the illusion of being the most important person in the world without considering anyone else. But I am telling you there’s nothing wrong with being a little self-obsessed and selfish as long as you don’t hurt others in the process.
Considering yourself the “key player” in your life story is how everyone should live. You should be the most important person in your own life. It’s necessary to make sure you are taken care of and happy before helping or impacting anyone else’s life. Making yourself the priority of your days by doing things for yourself rather than for validation or praise from anyone else makes a significant difference in how you perceive yourself and the world around you. For example, I regularly put my work and school before doing something I actually enjoy, like going out with a friend or taking a day trip along the coast. This overwhelms me and makes me feel stressed, anxious, and burdened with responsibility. But putting myself above my workload for once, I’ve been taking breaks and doing what I want to do rather than what I think I should do. Having this work-life balance has been freeing. Don’t be afraid to take the day off to do something spontaneous. Drive around for an hour with the windows down, wind in your hair, and take your favorite playlist as your life soundtrack. Sometimes living as though you’re in a film can be therapeutic. A key aspect of Main Character Syndrome involves valuing your desires and pursuing them (with stability and intention).
Another thing I’ve been trying to implement in my mindset toward life is to love and appreciate the small things. I don’t want to tell you to *glamorize* anything, but celebrating little successes or moments that make you feel elated can significantly benefit how you perceive your surroundings and experiences. It’s more than okay to feel giddy or self-confident when someone compliments your outfit or asks you to get a drink to get to know each other better. Remember: the main character knows that things happen for a reason, acknowledges what they go through, and finds peace and joy through the process.
Most importantly, the main character lives outside others’ perceptions or opinions. This isn’t me telling you to live recklessly and avoid criticism. However, remember that embarrassment is a mindset and that most people are too busy worrying about how they appear to the public to be worried about judging you. And if they do, why does it matter? I completely understand that, at the moment, one may get caught up in the social pressures to behave or appear a certain way to their peers. I genuinely get it. But I’ve learned that it really doesn’t matter in the end, as much as it’s cliche to say. Why live for someone else’s gaze when you can live for your own fulfillment and enjoyment?
Strike Out,
Parmis Etezady
Boca Raton
Parmis Etezady is a Content Writer for Strike Magazine Boca. In her free time, she likes to take groovy photos, go to concerts (or blast music in her bedroom), and obsess over vintage fashion. You can reach her at @parmisetez on Instagram or at petezady@gmail.com.
