I’ve always believed that every woman is unique, powerful, and capable of amazing things.

But let’s face it, we all have our moments of self-doubt.

And then there are those who are constantly seeking validation, unable to fully embrace their worth.

Sound familiar?

Well, you’re not alone. Countless women across the globe grapple with insecurity, constantly feeling the need to be validated.

If you’ve ever asked yourself “Why do I always need approval?” or “What are the signs that I might be acting insecure?” you might want to stick around.

This isn’t to point fingers or shame anyone.

Instead, it’s a gentle nudge towards self-awareness and understanding so that we can grow and evolve together.

Keep in mind; this isn’t just about highlighting insecurities.

It’s about sparking conversations, breaking down barriers, and striving for a healthier self-image.

Because as women, we deserve to feel confident and secure in our own skin.

Let’s dive right in!

1) Overly concerned about other people’s opinions

Do you find yourself constantly worrying about what others think of you?

This is a common trait among those who struggle with insecurity.

You might obsess over every word, action, or decision, fearing it will be judged or criticized.

Here’s the thing.

While it’s perfectly normal to care about others’ perspectives, it becomes an issue when their opinions start dictating your life.

Your self-worth should never be tied to external validation. You are so much more than what others think of you.

And no matter what, always strive to stay true to yourself.

2) Constant need for reassurance

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you constantly needed reassurance?

I’ve been there.

A few years back, I was working on a big project at work.

Despite my experience and competence, I found myself constantly asking my colleagues if they thought I was doing a good job.

Each nod of approval felt like a lifeline.

But here’s what I learned.

This constant need for reassurance was more about my insecurities than my actual performance.

Once I realized this, I started working on building my self-confidence, reminding myself that I was capable and competent, with or without reassurance from others.

Insecurity can make us crave constant validation, but it’s essential to remember that our value is not determined by others’ approval.

Growth begins when we start reassuring ourselves.

3) Apologizing excessively

Picture this: You’re in a crowded coffee shop, you accidentally bump into someone and spill a bit of your drink.

What’s your immediate reaction? If you’re like me, you probably apologize profusely, even though it was a simple accident.

But do you ever find yourself saying “sorry” when there’s absolutely no need to?

Like when expressing your opinion, asking a question, or even just taking up space?

I’ve caught myself doing this more times than I’d like to admit.

Apologizing when it’s not necessary is often a sign of insecurity, a subconscious way of seeking validation or approval.

But here’s the truth – you do not need to apologize for existing or expressing yourself.

Your thoughts, feelings, and existence are valid and important.

Don’t let insecurity make you feel otherwise.

There’s a massive difference between being polite and diminishing yourself.

4) Difficulty in accepting compliments

Ever found yourself brushing off a compliment?

Instead of saying a simple “thank you,” do you often downplay or dismiss it, maybe even deflect it with self-deprecating humor?

It’s something I’ve struggled with, this inability to graciously accept a compliment.

It was as if I was uncomfortable being appreciated or acknowledged.

This behavior is often a sign of insecurity, a deep-rooted belief that you’re not worthy of praise or that the compliment isn’t genuine.

But here’s a gentle reminder – it’s okay to accept compliments. They are gifts of words meant for you.

Embrace them. Believe in them. And most importantly, believe in yourself and your worth. You deserve every bit of praise you receive.

5) Tendency to compare with others

In our digital age, it’s easier than ever to fall into the comparison trap.

With a single click, we can peek into others’ lives, often leading us to compare our own with theirs.

Did you know that according to a survey, about half of social media users reported that these platforms made their insecurities worse?

Insecure individuals often measure their self-worth based on how they stack up against others.

This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and a constant need for validation.

But remember, everyone’s journey is different, and social media often only shows the highlight reel, not the behind-the-scenes.

You are much more than your online persona or anyone else’s.

Celebrate your individuality and understand that your worth is not determined by comparison.

6) Struggling with self-acceptance

We all have our strengths and weaknesses, our victories and our failures.

Yet, for some of us, it’s somehow easier to focus on the flaws and failures.

If you find yourself struggling to accept who you are, remember this – you’re human. You’re beautifully unique and perfectly imperfect.

Insecurity can sometimes make us magnify our perceived shortcomings while ignoring our strengths.

It can make us constantly seek validation from others to feel better about ourselves.

But true validation comes from within. It comes from recognizing and accepting our whole selves – the good, the bad, and everything in between.

Next time you’re being hard on yourself, pause for a moment.

Acknowledge your worth and give yourself the same kindness and empathy that you so readily offer to others.

Because you truly deserve it.

7) Fear of being alone

Being comfortable with our own company is vital. But for some, the thought of being alone can be terrifying.

This fear often stems from insecurity, the idea that we’re not enough on our own or that solitude equates to loneliness.

This could lead to constantly seeking validation from others to fill this perceived void.

But here’s the most important thing you should know.

Being alone doesn’t mean you’re lonely. It’s a chance to connect with yourself, to understand your needs, desires, and dreams.

It’s an opportunity to build a relationship with the most important person in your life – you.

Embrace solitude. Learn to enjoy your own company.

Understand that your worth is not determined by how many people surround you, but by how you perceive and value yourself.

Embracing the journey of self-love

If you see yourself in any of these behaviors, understand that it’s okay. You’re not alone, and most importantly, it’s not a life sentence.

The wonderful thing about self-awareness is that it’s the first step towards change.

With understanding and conscious effort, you can shift from seeking external validation to cultivating an inner sense of self-worth.

Begin by acknowledging these patterns in your behavior.

Notice when you’re overly concerned with others’ opinions or when you’re dismissing compliments.

Be aware of when you’re comparing yourself to others or when you’re fearful of being alone.

Once you’ve recognized these tendencies, take a moment to pause.

Ask yourself – is this serving me? Is this behavior aligning with my true essence?

Would embracing my authentic self bring me peace and joy?

Change doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a journey filled with small steps and occasional setbacks.

But every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory worth celebrating.

Continue to nurture self-love and acceptance. Be patient and kind to yourself along the way.

This journey isn’t about striving for perfection but about embracing your authentic self, flaws and all.

As you embark on this journey of self-validation, remember this – You are enough, just as you are.

Your worth isn’t determined by others’ opinions but by your own belief in yourself.

Take this moment to reflect. Embrace the journey.

And always remember – You are worthy of love, acceptance, and validation, especially from yourself.