Happy Endings. What is the affect on her sense of self?

I think that what is affecting her sense of self is that she doesn't want to be like Shiryl. She actually wants to be her, because she thinks that Shiryl is so pretty, popular, and she gets every ones attention. What Lovey want is to fit in, because she feels very left out, like she is out of place. Even though she doesn't say so she kind of gives you the impression that she feels a little shame for being Japanese, lovey feels that she is not American enough for people to be able to except her for who she is instead of just judging her. She also seems to find Shiryl always so happy and that's all she wants too.