The disadvantages of fame

I’m not famous, but I thought twice about even making my thoughts public on this site because it has long seemed to me that fame is more a burden for people than a benefit. There are some benefits to be had from it, but I would never wish it upon anyone who had not sought it while fully appreciating its negative impact. Some of the many people who care far too much about the lives of “celebrities” want nothing more than to be famous themselves. They think it will solve their problems and make them happy. They should consider the following disadvantages of fame:

• Never being able to tell whether a person likes you for who you really are
  (This is a serious problem, presented also by looks and wealth)
• The come-down when it is all over
• Scrutiny of your private life, potentially everything you did in the past, and everything you do in the present
• Lies and insinuations about you
• Envy and resentment, often turning to personal insults
• Possible stalking, kidnap, robbery or even murder attempts
• Feeling indebted to people as they do unrequested favours for you
• Being stared at wherever you go
• Constantly being asked “Aren’t you..?” (And sometimes they’ll get the name wrong)
• Having to be careful of everything you say and do, especially due to possible covert surveillance and recording (in this day and age a faux pas could be publicised across the world in minutes)
• The fame turning to infamy