6 Signs of Main Character Syndrome
I am always intrigued with new terms for familiar behaviors. As personality traits and behaviors become more prevalent, thanks in part to social media, society often creates terms or labels to describe them.
This blog discusses a recent emerging term, Main Character Syndrome. In case you have not heard the term before, it describes a person who thinks they are the main character in their life and everyone else’s life too. While taking care of oneself and advocating for oneself is important, someone who has main character syndrome will want everyone else to focus on their wants and needs as well.
Not to be confused with narcissism, though they do seem close, main character syndrome has some clear signs to look for.
6 Signs of Main Character Syndrome
Often Recenters Conversations Around Them
Have you ever had something exciting happen to you or had great news you cannot wait to share with others only to have your moment stolen by your so-called friend or partner? You share your news with them but your main character friend, partner, or coworker suddenly has something more important to share.
Somehow your night to celebrate your good news becomes all about them all of the time.
Demand Other’s Time and Attention
When they have things to do, are busy, or have just changed their mind about plans you had they expect to be left alone and allowed to miss events they have already committed to. But they will always expect others to drop everything for them when they want or need your time or attention. Failure to meet their demands or support them means you will feel their wrath. They may go off on you or completely cut you out of their life because they believe them withdrawing from your life is the worst punishment anyone could get.
Struggle To Put Anyone Else First
They live by the phrase, “What about me?” Because well, it is always about them. You could be sick or going through personal challenges but they still want the focus to be on them. They may pretend momentarily to care about what is going on with others but then they will quickly turn any discussion back to themselves.
A relationship with someone with main character syndrome will never be reciprocal because they feel entitled to be the most important in any relationship at all times.
Requires Constant Validation of Their Importance
They are exhausting because they require constant assurance and validation from you of their worth. They are the smartest, funniest, prettiest, most popular, and well-dressed adults everyone knows…according to them. And they expect others to agree with this. Failure to think they are the greatest just means that you and everybody else are just jealous.
Often Reminds Others of How Great They Are
Self-confidence is great and we all should feel good about our accomplishments but someone with main character syndrome takes it too far. They brag a lot. Sometimes it’s blatant and other times it is humble bragging but either way, it’s them giving themselves kudos.
Self-Focused
If you have a friend with main character syndrome, you can be sure they will not notice any changes with you unless they feel like it impacts them. If you are sad, stressed, or looking or acting different they won’t pick up on any of it because their focus is always on themselves.
By now you should recognize the signs of someone with main character syndrome. Relationships and friendships with these individuals are challenging, to say the least. They are not going to accept any criticism you give them and are not likely to change. Although main character syndrome sounds like a mental disorder, it is not considered one, yet.
Do you have any experience dealing with people with main character syndrome? How did you address the situation and are they still a part of your life? Please share your thoughts and experience!
