Saving Ninette
Britney Spears too was a 'national sweetheart' with a cute boyfriend and ambitions to conquer the world. Yet at some point, the girl lost it. Is our Ninette headed the same way?
Background: Small town girls
Britney came from Kentwood, Louisiana, a small town of 2,500 residents. That means that instead of living up to her family's expectations, she needs to fulfill the expectations of thousands who regard her as their little girl.
Ninette arrived from Kiryat Gat which has fewer than 50,000 residents but is still considered a small town. In contrast to the blind admiration of the rural Louisianans, the old friends at Kiryat Gat like to gossip and talk about the "old Ninette."
Image: Clean cut
Photo: Uri Eliyahu Photo: ASAP
In the early years, Britney had no qualms about sharing her puritan views with the public. She said she was a virgin, that she will wait until she's married, and said that the thing she wants most is a wedding and children – as many of them as possible.
Ninette, on the other hand, never talked about what she was doing or not doing in bed, but every time someone mentions her name, it followed by the adjectives "an angel," "a sweetheart," or "enlightened."
Both broke away from that image
Sometime an image can swirl out of control. Poor Britney told the entire world she was a virgin – then, when she decided to act like a modern woman, take responsibility over her body and do whatever she wants with whomever she wants – the world was shocked.
Photo: Kfir Harvi Photo: ASAP
Ninette's clean image was also damaged when she started dating actor Yehuda Levi. In an interview with Yedioth Ahronoth she said: "I am being criticized for my personal life, for my relationship with Yehuda… The media will always have what say. When I'm nice they say I'm a hypocrite, when I am not they say I'm a snob."
Both dated guys who later became sex symbols
Britney dated Justin when he had embarrassing curls.
Photo: Uri Eliyahu Photo: ASAP
Ninette dated Ran when no one else would.
Both men recovered from the breakups by cutting their hair and turning into sex symbols.
Photo: Osnat Rom Photo: ASAP
Their new relationships caused scandals
Britney started dating Kevin Federline while his wife Shar Jackson was pregnant with their second child. Traitorous Kevin left Shar before the birth and followed the big money.
Photo: Rafi Deloya Photo: ASAP
In contrast to Britney, it is still not clear what happened between Yehuda Levi and girlfriend Efrat when Ninette walked into the picture. In an interview last year, she said: "My conscience is clear. I followed my heart, and Yehuda followed his."
Both have role models
Photo: Rafi Deloya Photo: ASAP
For a long time Britney followed every breath, movement and word of her spiritual teacher, Madonna. We don't need to remind you what happened at the 2003 MTV awards.
Ninette clung to Aviv Gefen who she admired since she was a little girl. They did not kiss on stage wearing a bridal gown perhaps because Aviv is married (Hey, but so is Madonna).
Both lack style
Photo: Jackie Yaacob Photo: ASAP
Dresses with boots in the winter, see-through shirts, nipples that peek out on every occasion, shabby sweat suits, and those hats… Britney is one of the world's worst dressers.
Now, it's true that Ninette looks very good but it's really not her doing but her stylist's. Try to remember how she looked when she just started (hint: sweat suit and overly tweezed eyebrows).
Both have a hard time with the media
Britney admitted that for two years she was the media's punch-bag. The media took pleasure in harassing her and blowing everything she did out of proportion.
Ninette too does not handle the media well. In an interview withYedioth Ahronoth she provided the following anxious text: "I have no privacy whatsoever. I keep thinking where else they might get to. It's real scary. Perhaps there is this imaginary demon that is always with me and keeps informing them.
"I have a problem with lies. I have a problem with the fact that paparazzi follow me with a video camera and cause me to almost get into an accident. I have a problem with people who meddle in my personal life instead of in my art."
Both had some work done
Photo: Rafi Deloya Photo: ASAP
Britney, who after two back-to-back pregnancies, is working relentlessly to get her flat stomach back, without success.
Ninette went on a crash diet that amazed everyone (though she kept claiming she only lost the weight she gained while in the army).
Oh, and both are singers!
Britney has four albums: "Baby One More Time", "Oops I Did it Again", "Britney", "In the Zone."
Ninette, got one: "Barefoot."
What does the shrink think?
A person sets up goals for himself, chooses a path and determines the pace in which to accomplish things. If you know what you want and get there in stages, it is much easier to deal with success because you are prepared for it mentally.
The age factor is also important. Lately, adolescence has been extended; at time till a person is 30. During these years the personality is molded and if we reach success at an early age it affects the personality.
A support system is also crucial. There's a better chance of feeling lonely at the top. The society sees celebrities smiling at cocktail parties but actually when they return home there is no one there. Those who have the support of a mate, friends or family have a better chance of adapting.
