By 
There’s a fine line between being humble and having low self-esteem.
Often, we don’t realize we’re crossing this line due to our own insecurities. We might be doing things that subtly reflect our lack of confidence, without even recognizing it.
Having low self-esteem isn’t just about feeling bad about yourself, it’s about inadvertently letting that feeling control your actions.
In this article, I’ll explore 10 things you’re probably doing because of low self-esteem, without even realizing it. Through awareness comes the power to change and grow.
Stay tuned as we delve into the subtle signs of low self-esteem that you may be overlooking.
1) Constant self-doubt
We all have moments of doubt. It’s completely natural. But when you’re constantly second-guessing yourself, it could be a sign of low self-esteem.
You might find yourself unable to make decisions, big or small, without seeking validation from others. You feel uncertain about your own abilities and judgment, and this can lead to a constant need for reassurance.
Self-doubt isn’t just about feeling unsure, it can also manifest in the form of procrastination or avoidance. You might find yourself delaying tasks or decisions because you’re worried about the possible outcomes.
If you’re always questioning your own worth or abilities, it’s time to acknowledge that you might be dealing with low self-esteem. Recognizing this is the first step towards building a healthier self-image.
2) Apologizing excessively
I’ve always been known as the ‘sorry’ friend. I apologize for everything, whether it’s my fault or not. Things like bumping into someone, expressing my opinion, or even when someone else makes a mistake.
For a long time, I thought it was just being polite. But over time, I realized that this excessive apologizing was linked to my low self-esteem.
It wasn’t about being courteous; it was about feeling like I was always in the wrong or that I was a burden to others. It reflected a deep-seated belief that I was constantly doing something wrong or causing inconvenience.
If you find yourself constantly saying ‘sorry’ like me, it could be a sign of low self-esteem. Recognizing this habit can be the first step towards building confidence and asserting your worth.
3) Avoiding eye contact
Eye contact plays a significant role in communication, and it’s often linked to confidence. People who maintain good eye contact are perceived as more trustworthy and competent.
However, those with low self-esteem often find it difficult to maintain eye contact. They might look down, away, or anywhere but directly into the other person’s eyes.
This is because eye contact can feel too intimate or intimidating. It’s like a mirror reflecting our insecurities back at us.
If you catch yourself frequently avoiding eye contact, it could be an indication of low self-esteem. But remember, it’s something that can be improved with conscious effort and practice.
4) Neglecting self-care
Taking care of our physical health is directly linked to our mental well-being. But when you’re dealing with low self-esteem, it’s easy to neglect self-care.
You might find yourself skipping meals, not getting enough sleep, or neglecting personal hygiene. This isn’t just about being lazy; it’s about not feeling worthy enough to invest time and effort into your own well-being.
You might think that you’re not worth the effort or that other things are more important. But remember, caring for yourself is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.
If you’re neglecting your self-care routine, it might be a sign of low self-esteem. It’s time to realize that you are important and deserving of care and attention.
5) Staying in unhealthy relationships
When it comes to relationships, low self-esteem can often make us settle for less than we deserve. We might find ourselves in situations where we’re not respected or valued, but we stay anyway, believing that we don’t deserve any better.
Whether it’s a friendship or a romantic relationship, if you find yourself constantly making excuses for someone else’s bad behavior or settling for less than respect and kindness, it could be a sign of low self-esteem.
Remember, you deserve to be treated with love and respect. Don’t let low self-esteem trap you in an unhealthy relationship. Recognizing this pattern is the first step towards seeking healthier relationships.
6) Never accepting compliments
How do you respond when someone pays you a compliment? If you’re like me, you might find it hard to simply say “thank you.” Instead, you might downplay the compliment, deflect it, or outright reject it.
This isn’t about modesty, it’s about not believing in your own worth. It’s as if a compliment is a spotlight shining on us, and we feel uncomfortable being in its glow.
If you can’t accept compliments graciously, it could be because of low self-esteem. It’s time to realize that you are deserving of praise and positive attention. Accepting a compliment doesn’t mean you’re arrogant; it means you know your worth.
7) Fear of failure
There was a time when I would avoid trying new things, not because I wasn’t interested, but because I was scared of failing. I would imagine all the ways things could go wrong and convince myself it wasn’t worth the risk.
This fear wasn’t about being cautious, it was about not believing in my ability to succeed or to handle failure.
If you find yourself avoiding new experiences or challenges due to fear of failure, it could be a sign of low self-esteem. Remember, failure is just a stepping stone towards success. Don’t let the fear of failure hold you back from trying.
8) Overcompensating with perfectionism
On the surface, striving for perfection might seem like a positive trait. But when it comes from a place of low self-esteem, it can be more damaging than beneficial.
Perfectionism isn’t about doing your best; it’s about believing that anything less than perfect is unacceptable. It’s an endless cycle where you’re constantly chasing an unattainable standard.
If you find yourself obsessing over every detail and constantly striving for perfection, it could be a sign of low self-esteem. Remember, it’s okay to make mistakes and have flaws. You don’t have to be perfect to be worthy.
9) Struggling to say no
Saying no can be tough. But when you have low self-esteem, it can feel nearly impossible. You might find yourself constantly agreeing to things you don’t want to do, just to avoid disappointing others.
This isn’t about being helpful or accommodating; it’s about not valuing your own time and needs. You might fear that saying no will lead to rejection or conflict.
If you’re always saying yes when you really want to say no, it could be a sign of low self-esteem. Remember, setting boundaries is a crucial part of self-care and respecting your own needs is just as important as respecting others’.
10) Self-deprecating humor
We all enjoy a good laugh, but when you’re constantly making yourself the butt of the joke, it could be more than just humor. It could be a sign of low self-esteem.
Self-deprecating humor isn’t about being funny or relatable; it’s about hiding your insecurities behind a mask of humor. It’s a way of pointing out your flaws before anyone else can.
If you’re always the one laughing at yourself, it could be a sign of low self-esteem. Remember, it’s okay to laugh at our mistakes and flaws, but not at the expense of our self-worth. You are more than your flaws and mistakes, and you deserve to be treated with respect and kindness, even by yourself.
Final thoughts: It’s about self-love
The journey of self-discovery is a complex one, often intertwined with our self-esteem.
One interesting fact that underscores this relationship is the concept of neuroplasticity. This refers to our brain’s ability to change and adapt as a result of experience.
Studies show that our thoughts can actually reshape our brains. This means that with consistent positive thinking, we can potentially rewire our brains to improve our self-esteem.
Low self-esteem is not a life sentence. It’s a state of mind that can be changed. Whether you’re constantly doubting yourself, struggling to accept compliments, or finding it hard to say no, remember that you’re not alone.
These signs are not your identity but indicators pointing towards something that needs your attention.
You are deserving of love and respect, particularly from yourself. Recognizing these signs is the first step towards a journey of self-love and acceptance. It’s about understanding that you are enough just as you are and embracing the unique individual that you are.