The Dark Side of Main Character Energy

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The social media trend “main character energy” started a few years ago, and it’s still going strong. It’s all about stepping into your power. Own your confidence and live like you’re the lead in your own story. Own your story and embrace who you are without apology. What started as a TikTok trend has turned into a significant cultural shift. It affects how we discuss ourselves online and how we navigate the world.

Check out Fall 2025 fashion. Brands like PatBO are creating outfits that look cinematic. Each piece feels like a scene-stealer, making the wearer the star. Self-care now has a “main character” twist. You can enjoy solo travel, aesthetic journaling, or log into your favorite game, Koi Fortune, to unwind in style. Everything is framed through the lens of story and self-celebration.

Here’s the thing: it feels excellent to romanticize your life and take charge of your story. Still, it’s easy to slip from self-assurance into self-centeredness. What happens when we’re so busy being the main character that we forget the beauty of ensemble moments? The best stories aren’t about one person. They’re about connection, growth, and the magic that unfolds when others join in.

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There’s nothing wrong with embracing your main character era. You are. Sometimes, this self-indulgence goes too far. It becomes a performance. Moments get rehearsed, and we curate versions of ourselves. We walk, talk, and pose for photos in specific ways. When we stay in this headspace too long, we miss real moments. We get caught up in our appearance and forget to notice our feelings. Worse, we ignore how others feel.

I remember when a friend of mine became lost in this dynamic. They spent much time perfecting their outfits and Instagram photos at a social event. Because of this, they missed out on the conversations happening around them. They were so caught up in their own story that they overlooked the tales around them. Some friends later said they felt ignored and didn’t like the behavior.

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Some might argue that embracing the main character’s energy doesn’t mean shutting out others. But if it goes too far, does it make life feel like a one-person show? But sometimes, we get so focused on our journey that we forget how much richer life is when it’s shared. Life isn’t our story; it’s a mosaic. Our choices shape it, the people we meet, the laughs we share, and how others impact us.

Primary character energy is about owning your space—your style, story, voice. But when we realize our lives are connected with others, we see that being ourselves doesn’t mean acting like we’re better than anyone else. Our stories improve when we include others. The most powerful stories are the ones where everyone matters.

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Ramadan reminds us of this broader picture. The month needs humility and reflection. It shifts our focus from ourselves to something greater. Ramadan encourages community and connection. It offers a break from the self-promotion often seen in today’s online world.

That doesn’t mean self-expression is the enemy. Confidence and self-awareness are beautiful. Ramadan is a time for a reset. It doesn’t erase who you are but helps you reframe yourself. You can express yourself while still being part of the community. It reminds us that the most unforgettable moments are those we never saw coming. They are the surprises that come our way, made better by sharing them with others. It reminds us that life is far more meaningful when it’s not about us. It’s in slowing down that we start to see what matters. It’s in giving that we receive the most. And it’s in togetherness that we find the deepest kind of joy.