Richard Petty
approach to life and appearances

The following is a description of Richard's basic stance toward life, the way others see him, the way Richard Petty comes across, the face he shows to the world. In the page about motivation you will read about the inner Richard Petty - his real motivation, which describes the kind of person he is at heart and where his true priorities lie. Study this page and the next one and compare them - there may be significant differences between the two, in which case "the inner Richard Petty" may not shine through and others may be in for so a few surprises once they get to know Richard a little better. This page describes the disguise Petty wears, his role in life, while the page about motivation talks about the real person beneath the disguise.

Ferociously proud and somewhat vain, Richard Petty likes to be impressive and to be considered special and unique. He is not timid, meek, or self-effacing, and is rarely content with staying in the background or in a subordinate position. He is a natural leader, and does not take orders from others very well. Petty must have something of his own, something creative - be it a business, a project, a home or whatever - that he can develop and manage according to his own will and vision. Whatever Richard does, he does it in a unique, dramatic, individual way. He likes to put his own personal stamp on it.

Richard Petty also has a very strong sense of dignity, self-respect, and personal honor and is deeply offended if someone treats him in a humiliating or dishonorable way. Petty will rarely confront the offender - he is too proud to do so - but he will lose his affection and respect for them. Richard dislikes pettiness and hates to be snubbed or ignored.

Petty admires others who are strong individuals like himself. When Richard Petty befriends someone, Petty is tremendously loyal, sincere, and willing to go to extraordinary lengths to make that person happy. He is very giving and generous, but his gifts are never anonymous - Richard expects recognition and appreciation for them. He also expects the intense loyalty that he offers to his dear ones to be reciprocated. However, Richard Petty often has trouble developing relationships with people who are as strong as himself, for he does not really cooperate or share the leading role very easily. If he is not in the leading role, he aspires to be and will compete with the person who is.

Richard Petty has great heart and courage, and people often look to him for strength, encouragement, and affirmation. Richard always puts his best face forward and rarely allows others to see him hurting, disheartened, or vulnerable. Richard Petty also has a very strong need for love, admiration, appreciation, and praise, although he does not like others to realize just how important it is to him.

His outlook on life tends to be very personal and rather self-centered. His own self-expression, self-actualization and self-realization interest Richard more than anything else. Richard Petty feels that if he does his best where he is, the rest of the world will take care of itself.

Richard Petty appears to be sweet to other people, and he knows how to use charm, persuasion and affection rather than more direct (but possibly disagreeable) methods to get his point across. He may be overly concerned with appearances and superficial beauty, in which case Richard Petty may also seem vain and narcissistic to others.

At times his feisty spirit, aggressiveness, and overly forceful approach get Richard into trouble. Richard Petty tends to take offense when none was intended. He may be viewed as a troublemaker, an upstart, or an egotist with little concern for others. Richard Petty needs to moderate his temper in order to avoid constant irritation with those in his environment.

Richard Petty appears sympathetic and approachable. Because he uses his feelings and intuition to assess people, others sense that Petty understands their feelings or their personal situations. At the same time Richard Petty really wants people to know how he feels, and their care and support are very important to him.

At times his desire to impress other people, or be important or popular may make Petty do things that go against his better judgment. Even Richard's sincere attempts to be generous or helpful may be misinterpreted, or seen as pompousness or interference. Richard Petty needs to be aware of his tendency to overdo - to go all out - even when it is not appropriate.

Astrological factors in this Astro Profile section:

Leo Rising

Venus Square Asc.

Mars Square Asc.

Moon Trine Asc.

Jupiter Quincunx Asc.