10 things you don’t realizing you’re doing that show you have low self-esteem

Low self-esteem can manifest in various subtle ways that you might not even realize. Here are ten behaviors or habits that may indicate low self-esteem:

1. Negative Self-Talk: Frequently criticizing or belittling yourself in your thoughts or out loud can reflect a lack of self-worth.

2. Avoiding Eye Contact: Struggling to maintain eye contact during conversations can signal discomfort with yourself or a lack of confidence.

3. Over-Apologizing: Apologizing excessively, even for minor issues or when it’s not necessary, can show that you feel unworthy or fear disapproval.

4. Difficulty Accepting Compliments: Brushing off compliments or feeling uncomfortable when receiving praise can indicate that you don’t believe you deserve it.

5. People-Pleasing: Going out of your way to make others happy at the expense of your own needs can stem from a fear of rejection or a desire for validation.

6. Avoiding Challenges: Shying away from new experiences or challenges due to fear of failure can be a sign that you doubt your abilities.

7. Comparing Yourself to Others: Frequently measuring your worth against others can indicate a lack of self-acceptance and confidence.

8. Perfectionism: Setting unrealistically high standards for yourself and feeling inadequate when you don’t meet them can reflect deep-seated self-doubt.

9. Staying in Toxic Relationships: Tolerating unhealthy relationships or situations because you feel you don’t deserve better can be a sign of low self-esteem.

10. Neglecting Self-Care: Failing to prioritize your own physical and emotional well-being can indicate that you don’t value yourself enough to invest in your own care.

Recognizing these behaviors is the first step toward building healthier self-esteem. If you identify with several of these signs, consider seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional to work on improving your self-image and confidence.