Celebrity encounters: How to keep composure when and if you spot your favorite star

There’s only one simple thing that sets apart someone of celebrity status from that of being the average person. Those with celebrity status tend to have multi-million dollar careers doing something that so many of the average beings dream of getting paid for. Whether you know them for their talents or more so for their appearance, their faces, careers and more especially so, their personal lives are usually plastered everywhere around the world for all to view and adore or in other cases, criticize. However, what are you supposed to do if you run into a celebrity? Especially if it’s a celebrity that you generally admire? How are you expected to compose yourself without seeming too uninterested? Yet not so interested in their celebrity status to send them running for the Hollywood Hills without taking a single look back into your general direction?

One thing that I can admittedly say is that I, myself have been lucky enough to encounter multiple celebrities during the span of my twenty five years of existence, mostly from bands. I can honestly say that I have yet had a truly horrible experience with any of the ones that I have met nor have I scarred them for life by acting like a complete lunatic.

First thing to remember and most importantly. Celebrities may be wealthy, they may be posted and plastered everywhere amongst us average people but they are actual people just as you and I are. They don’t appreciate someone yelling in their face that they’re them when they know who they are. They don’t appreciate being followed into the restroom or the tanning bed just to be asked for an autograph.

To approach a celebrity, observe the surroundings. Is it over-crowded? Is the celebrity being mobbed by other fans? Is it a private setting or a social setting? Is the celebrity alone or with someone else?

If they appear to be generally happy looking and everything appears to be okay and calm, be enthusiastic and remember that it’s okay to be screaming on the inside of yourself instead of the outside and right in front of their face. Keep your calm outwardly and don’t be afraid to say hello and introduce yourself to them in a polite, normal manner.

Explain to them that you’re a fan of their work and was wondering if they’d be willing to take a moment to talk with you or sign an autograph, take a photograph with you or whichever you prefer and are seeking from them. The worst that they can say is no and if they do, just thank them anyhow and walk away. Don’t look too bummed if they decline as even celebrities have bad days at times, perhaps you just mis-observed and find them at a better time and try again.

However, if they seem interested in spending a few moments of their time with you, be yourself. Don’t try to act like someone you’re not. Just talk to them naturally as you would talk to a regular friend.

Don’t hog their time though. After you receive what you seek from them. Thank them for their time and be on your way. You don’t want to seem to overly eager nor do you want to make the celebrity feel obligated to spend time with you because you’re a fan of theirs.

With those simple suggestions out in the open, the celebrity will appreciate you being real with them as opposed to making yourself look like some sort of annoying fan-girl or fan-boy that makes them cringe at the sight of your arrival.

Anna Kournikova: Celebrity Sighting in D.C.