Aside from personality, there are people who have a bad case of "spotlightitis". These people have a different desire and motive for being the center of attention. It stems from a need to be in control and/or advance in some way. They have a desire to be right, use their knowledge to impress others and sway the option of those around them, or gain a position they think they should have.
It's amazing how people with "spotlightitis" seem sincere and caring. They are constantly helping others, leading classes, and organizing group pages to share what they know. They always seem to have the right answers. They are avid readers and searchers. They are quick to use their experiences or the experiences of others to give advise. They draw people in. They crave having people around them that are impressed by them and seem to need them. Often those who "follow" the person with "spotlightitis" do not recognize their this persons need to have others around them and to be impressed by them.
It is hard to give advise to or correct a person with "spotlightitis". They believe that they are right, in most cases they will not listen to you what you have to say on a topic, unless they are seeking to impress or admire you. Sadly, they are quick to turn on you through gossip if they feel threatened by you in some way. The desire to keep people on their side is great and hurting someones reputation is easily justified in their mind.
It is easy to be drawn in and like the person with "spotlightitis", especially when they seem so sincere, caring, and helpful. It is not wrong to have this person as a friend and ask for advise or help, but be careful. We are stronger than we think.
The knowledge they have, we can gain through reading, asking questions, watching a documentary, and talking to our doctor. When we are able to gain help and information from many sources, our knowledge grows as well as our confidence in resolving a tough situation. It is also better to pray and seek God's help. His knowledge if so far above ours that we can trust Him to meet our needs. If the person with "spotlightitis" is a peer, seek out a person who is older and who's experiences are far beyond your own. Seeking advise of someone who is on the same path of life as yourself is not helpful when their are those who have "been there" already. An older mentor can enrich your life and help you come through difficult times much quicker. Also an older wiser mentor usually have a level of care and humility will far exceed the person with "spotlightitis".
Unsure if you are the person with "spotlightitis"? Test yourself. Try releasing control. Take time off from give advise or direction to those who ask, or don't ask. Back away from activities and people that you find "build you up" because they listen to you and hang on your every word. If you find it hard to release control; if the urge to give advise is too strong; if you cannot take correction or advise from others, more than likely you are suffering form this form of self-centeredness.
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