We all have our moments of self-doubt, but some people seem to have misplaced their sense of self-worth entirely.
Here are some signs that someone might be running low on basic pride. While too much of it can be detrimental, not having any at all can be just as bad.
1. They constantly put themselves down.
Self-deprecating humour is one thing, but these people take it to an extreme. Every other sentence is a dig at themselves, and it’s clear they’re not just joking around. It’s like they’re beating people to the punch, criticising themselves before anyone else can.
2. They apologse for everything.
Someone bumps into them? They say sorry. They sneeze? Sorry again. It’s like they’re apologising for existing. This excessive apologising often stems from a belief that they’re always in the way or causing problems.
3. They let people walk all over them.
Boundaries? What boundaries? These people seem to think everyone else’s needs and wants are more important than their own. They’ll bend over backwards to please people, often at their own expense.
4. They neglect their appearance.
Source: Unsplash This isn’t about being a fashion icon; it’s about basic self-care. People lacking pride might not bother with regular hygiene or wear clothes that are dirty or ill-fitting. It’s as if they don’t think they’re worth the effort.
5. They’re always the butt of the joke.
Source: Unsplash In group settings, they’re quick to make themselves the punchline. While self-deprecating humour can be endearing, they take it too far, inviting people to laugh at, not with, them.
6. They downplay their achievements.
Got a promotion? “Oh, it’s nothing.” Finished a marathon? “Anyone could do it.” They brush off compliments and minimise their accomplishments as if they’re not worthy of recognition.
7. They settle for less in relationships.
Source: Unsplash Whether romantic or platonic, they accept treatment that’s far below what they deserve. It’s like they don’t believe they’re worthy of respect or genuine affection.
8. They avoid eye contact.
Source: Unsplash Looking people in the eye seems to be a struggle. They’ll stare at the ground or look anywhere but directly at the person they’re talking to, as if they’re not worthy of engaging on an equal level.
9. They use self-defeating language a little too often.
Source: Unsplash “I could never do that,” or “I’m not smart enough for that job.” Their speech is peppered with phrases that limit their potential before they even try.
10. They don’t stand up for themselves.
When someone treats them unfairly, they stay silent. It’s as if they believe they deserve poor treatment or that their feelings don’t matter enough to speak up about.
11. They’re overly critical of their work.
Source: Unsplash Nothing they do is ever good enough in their eyes. They’ll redo tasks multiple times or hold back from sharing their work because they think it’s not up to par.
12. They fish for compliments.
Source: Unsplash Paradoxically, some people with low self-esteem constantly seek validation from other people. They might make self-deprecating comments, hoping someone will contradict them.
13. They can’t accept compliments.
Source: Unsplash When someone does praise them, they immediately deflect or deny it. It’s like they can’t reconcile positive feedback with their negative self-image.
14. They constantly compare themselves to other people.
Source: Unsplash And it’s always — always — in a negative way. In their mind, everyone else is doing better, looking better, and being better than they are.
15. They avoid trying new things.
Source: Unsplash Fear of failure keeps them in their comfort zone. They’d rather not try at all than risk not being immediately good at something.
16. They overshare personal information that no one wants to hear.
Source: Unsplash In an attempt to connect, they might divulge too much too soon, not realising that healthy boundaries are a form of self-respect.
17. They’re always saying, “I don’t know.”
Source: Unsplash Even when they likely do know, they default to this phrase. It’s safer than risking being wrong or sounding foolish in their mind.
18. They tolerate disrespect.
Source: Unsplash Whether it’s rude comments or being constantly stood up, they let disrespectful behaviour slide because they don’t think they deserve better.
19. They’re excessively self-sacrificing.
Source: Unsplash While generosity is admirable, they give to the point of detriment. They’ll go without so other people can have, even when it’s not necessary or healthy.
20. They never share their true opinions or feelings.
Source: Unsplash Fearing conflict or rejection, they’ll agree with people even when they actually feel differently. Their true thoughts and feelings take a back seat to avoiding any potential disapproval.
21. They refuse help or support (even when they desperately need it).
Source: Unsplash Oddly, some people with low self-esteem have trouble accepting help. They either feel unworthy of assistance or are afraid of being a burden.
