The Show-off

There's one in every family or group. They're the ones that appear nicer, prettier and brighter than everyone else. It is a ruse. If you peeled away their layers of ego, you might find the real person hidden inside, but that is unlikely. This sort, spends a lifetime covering up their imagined and real short-comings with a thick coat of  opaque material that defies scrutiny.  While the rest of us live life with our warts hanging out, these people spend every moment massaging their hype. We all know it's fake but, in truth, we kind of enjoy falling for the fakery. The individual I am thinking of, and we all have a secret example, spends hours of festooning and grooming. Every moment is attention to appearance. If it looks good, they know, it is good. If we could but see into their boudoirs, there they would be, turning and posing in front of their mirrors. They would be practicing their roles as they see them. Their ambitions are not taken lightly. And while there may be not a whit of substance in it, they mold what it should be, and wear it all grandly. But not without effort put to rehearsal.  The planning of the wardrobe and the hair and the make-up, are their first concern.  They are actors on the stage of real life. Their hardest task in making themselves appear to be the best of the best, is their "goodness". While they do nothing to earn it, they are very good at appearing generous and kind and helpful. They talk it up. The one I am thinking of, is diligent in social situations, hugging and cooing and flattering all those they hope will be influential in their goal seeking. And it pays off. They're the ones who get the best jobs, the highest salaries: given equal opportunity. They are the valedictorians, the queens of the May, the ones voted to succeed.  It's a fact. Look it up. The most attractive get the best opportunities. Whether or not they can carry them off, seems not to matter. They are so good at their self-seekings, that they easily convince their minions to do the tasks for them. They get the credit of course. Their underlings bask in the light of their "superiors'" glories. At a party, who is the centre of attention? Not the wisest, nor the one who works the hardest. Nay; it's the one who touts it, the one that shines with achievements that are paste not diamond. But that's the way it works. You do not find royalty that is unattractive, no matter if they are or not. There is no politician that isn't groomed to look like royalty. The smile is fixed and dead white, the hair is enhanced, the clothing, expensive and immaculate, the words, polished. And it seems to work. Who wants the hard working, ordinary good-guy-next-door for a leader? We want "the prince". Or the "princess". Then again, we have to remember Marie Antoinette and her King. Heads will roll eventually, even the most beautiful ones!