The following is a guest post by Mandy Wilkins.
Alright, we admit it: we’re obsessed with celebrities. Whether they’re strutting down the red carpet or gracing the front of magazine covers, we like to follow their every move. But, once we
strip away all their glitter, money, and fame, it turns out that celebrities are just like us. They share our same fears, aspirations, and challenges. Here’s a list of five surprising things you have
in common with your fave A-Listers:
1. Body Insecurity
How many times have you looked at the cover of a magazine, seeing a celeb in a crop top and tight jeans, wishing you had her body? It may come as a surprise that nearly all celebrities have struggled with the same body insecurity as you do. Even Beyonce doesn’t wake up flawless every single morning.
Demi Lovato admitted back in 2010 that she struggled with anorexia and bulimia because of severe issues with her body image. After years of dealing with her insecurities, she told Seventeen, “I have come to realize that making yourself happy is most important.”
2. Being Rejected
Has that cute boy in front of you, that so-called “popular” group, or even the job you wanted, ever completely rejected you? You’re not alone — in fact, it’s happened to seemingly perfect celebrities. A now-famous television host was fired from her first job as a television reporter because she was “unfit for TV.” I bet Oprah Winfrey is laughing at that Baltimore station today. Even the iconic Marilyn Monroe was told by modeling agencies that she should consider becoming a secretary.
Next time you’re rejected, focus on your strengths, how you can improve, and remember: you could be the next Oprah.
3. Problems Fitting In
Whether you’re a self-proclaimed “geek” or a self-assured jock, all of us have had insecurities about fitting in. Even Zac Efron claims that “growing up was hell” thanks to his “uncool” interest in musical theater. But, that interest is what landed his gig in High School Musical – and his status as a heartthrob.
Singer Taylor Swift has never fit in with her young musical counterparts; instead of going clubbing or turning to drugs, she has maintained a wholesome image—and several platinum albums.
More often than not, walking to the beat of your own drum is way better than “fitting in.” Who needs to conform?
4. Work/Life Balance Issues
Going to school every single day and then trying to maintain an actual social life is hard enough. Can you imagine having to balance work and life while the paparazzi track your every move?
Yikes.
Some celebs utterly fail in this department, having their personal lives blow up alongside their work (Lindsay Lohan, anyone?) But other celebs, like Angelina Jolie, seem to juggle it all seamlessly. Superwoman somehow manages to have six kids, an amazing acting career, and a commitment to charity.
According to life coach Jasmin Terrany, finding a balance can be done by focusing on what’s important, deep breathing, and leaving some time to relax.
5. Relationship Insecurity
Trying to date a normal human being that makes you feel good about yourself is hard enough – can you imagine trying to do that in front of cameras?
While some celebrities have excelled at finding a normal relationship under the stress of Hollywood (Ben & Jen), others have crashed and burned thanks to disloyalty (Kristen Stewart), lack of mutual respect (Justin & Selena), and who-the-heck-knows-what (Miley & Liam). But whether we’re making $7 billion a year or $7 an hour at the movie theater, we all want the same thing out of a relationship: someone who understands, appreciates, and supports us.
Mandy Wilkins is a recent graduate from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in English with a concentration in Creative Writing. She now resides in Atlanta, where she writes about everything from pop culture to children’s literature. This January, she’ll be moving to southeast Asia to teach English