The Luigi Complex

I have long suffered from the Luigi Complex. I am coining the term here and now. So, when therapists start showing up on Good Morning, America stating this as the latest craze, you’ll know you heard it here first.

For years, I have given my husband a hard time for always having to be Player 1 in any video game that we play. He has to have to Player 1 controller and be Mario. That means, I have been Luigi in EVERY game we’ve ever played. Nothing against Luigi, but he’s no Mario.

This started years ago when I played with my brother. He had the same issue- always wanting to be Player 1.  Since I’m the younger sister, again, I was always Luigi.

For years, I’ve mocked my husband for giving me what I know call a “Luigi Complex”. It’s basically defined as becoming used to second place. I’ve realized in the past several weeks that I have suffered the Luigi Complex in many facets of my life. And I’ve accepted it.

I’m guessing many of you have too. Have you ever experienced getting called to go out with a friend only to find out that their first choice wasn’t available? Have you ever moved your plans around to accommodate “Mario”?  Did “Mario” receive a promotion at work when you felt you deserved it?

I’m guessing this has happened to you as well, and while it’s fine to be flexible, it’s not fine to accept second place as being just as good as first. Lots of seconds are as not good as the first.. Lost Season 2, for example, was not as good as the Season 1. Don’t get me started on the number of sophomore albums released that are failures! And what about second date syndrome… you know where the first date is amazing, but then the guy never calls again?! (I experienced that one too)…

Perhaps it’s the second child coming out in me, but I’m a little tired of being Luigi.  So, please someone tell me, how to become my very own Mario?