If a man displays these 10 subtle body language signs, he probably has low self-worth

Tina Fey by Tina Fey | October 19, 2024, 6:47 pm

You’ve probably heard the saying ‘actions speak louder than words.’

This old adage rings especially true when it comes to understanding people.

The ways we move and hold our bodies can often reveal more about our emotions and self-perception than any words that come out of our mouths.

In fact, body language can be a window into a person’s soul, giving us subtle clues about their self-esteem and self-worth.

We usually think of low self-esteem as something that shows up in how a person talks or acts. But it can also show up in their body language, in ways that are easy to miss if you’re not looking out for them.

In this article, we’re going to look at ten subtle signs in a man’s body language that might mean he has low self-worth.

This could be useful if you’re trying to understand someone close to you better, or if you just want to be better at reading people. So get comfortable and get ready to learn something new about body language.

1) Avoiding eye contact

It’s normal for people to look away occasionally during a conversation. However, if a man rarely or never makes eye contact, it could indicate low self-worth.

Eye contact shows confidence and comfort with both ourselves and the person we’re speaking to. If a man avoids it, he may feel insecure or unsure of himself.

It’s also worth noting that some people may find constant eye contact uncomfortable or intimidating. So, don’t jump to conclusions too quickly.

Still, if this happens often, it might signal something deeper at play. Keep an eye out for this subtle clue.

2) Slouched posture

The way a man stands and sits can tell you a lot about how he sees himself. If he often has a slouched posture, it might be a sign of low self-worth.

When we feel good about ourselves, we naturally stand tall and hold our heads high.

On the other hand, slouching can suggest that a man doesn’t feel confident or is trying to make himself seem smaller.

It’s also true that everyone slouches sometimes, especially when they’re tired or relaxed, so don’t assume a man has low self-worth just because he occasionally slouches.

3) Fidgeting

Here’s another subtle sign that could suggest low self-worth: fidgeting.

If a man is constantly tapping his fingers, shaking his leg, or playing with something in his hands, he might be feeling anxious or insecure.

I remember a friend of mine who used to do this all the time. We’d be sitting in a meeting or having lunch, and he’d always be fidgeting with something – a pen, a napkin, anything he could get his hands on.

At first, I just thought it was a habit. But as I got to know him better, I realized it was more than that.

He was wrestling with feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, and the constant fidgeting was one way it showed up.

So keep an eye out for this subtle clue – it might just give you a glimpse into how a man feels about himself.

4) Crossed arms

Did you know that our arms can reveal quite a bit about how we’re feeling?

If a man often crosses his arms, it might be a sign of low self-worth.

Crossed arms are commonly associated with defensiveness or discomfort.

It’s like a physical barrier we put up when we’re feeling threatened or insecure.

Here’s an interesting fact: According to a study published on ResearchGate, crossing arms is often linked to behaviors like avoidance and defensiveness, signaling discomfort or insecurity in social situations.

This defensive posture may also reflect deeper feelings of low self-worth.

So if you see a man crossing his arms a lot, especially in situations where he shouldn’t feel threatened, it could be a sign that he’s dealing with low self-worth.

5) Rarely speaking up

Sometimes, the most powerful body language signs aren’t about what we do, but what we don’t do.

If a man rarely speaks up, especially in situations where his opinion is valued, it could be a sign of low self-worth.

When we believe in ourselves and our ideas, we’re naturally more inclined to share them with others. But if a man often stays quiet, he might be struggling with feelings of inadequacy or fear of judgment.

It’s heartbreaking to think that someone could feel so unsure of themselves that they keep their thoughts and ideas to themselves.

Everyone has unique insights and perspectives to share, and it’s a loss for everyone when those are kept hidden.

If you notice a man who rarely speaks up, offer him support and encouragement, and let him know that his voice matters.

6) Lack of facial expression

You might not think much of it, but the expression on a person’s face can tell you a lot about them. If a man often has a blank or emotionless face, it could be a sign of low self-worth.

I had a colleague once who was like this.

He always had the same expression, whether he was working on a project, talking with team members, or even during our fun office parties. His face rarely showed any emotion.

At first, I thought he was just focused or perhaps not much of a people person.

But over time, I realized there was more to it. He was struggling with feelings of low self-worth and had been using his lack of facial expression as a kind of mask to hide his insecurities.

Again, some people are naturally more expressive than others, and that’s perfectly okay.

But if a man consistently shows little to no emotion, it might be a sign that he’s wrestling with low self-worth. 

7) Constant self-deprecating humor

Now, we all know that guy who’s always cracking jokes about himself.

Sure, a bit of self-deprecating humor can be funny and relatable. But if a man is constantly putting himself down in the name of comedy, it might be a sign of low self-worth.

It’s like he’s trying to beat everyone else to the punch. If he’s the one making the joke, it won’t hurt as much when others do it.

It’s a defense mechanism, but it’s also a cry for help.

Look, it’s tough to admit, but sometimes our laughter hides our pain. It’s easier to laugh than to let people see that we’re hurting.

But there might be a struggle with self-worth hiding behind that humor

8) Over-apologizing

Over-apologizing is another subtle sign you might notice in a man with low self-worth.

If he’s always saying sorry, even when he doesn’t need to, it could suggest that he’s feeling unsure of himself.

Research published by the National Institutes of Health suggests that individuals with low self-esteem often over-apologize as a way to mitigate perceived interpersonal tension.

This behavior, commonly linked to feelings of insecurity, can lead them to take responsibility for situations that aren’t their fault, reflecting a deeper sense of low self-worth

Keep an eye out for this sign, but remember to approach the situation with sensitivity and understanding. Encourage him to recognize when an apology is truly necessary and when it’s okay to let things go.

9) Difficulty accepting compliments

I’ve noticed in my life that some people find it really hard to accept compliments. If a man brushes off compliments or quickly changes the subject, it might be a sign of low self-worth.

I remember a close friend who was like this. Whenever anyone complimented him, he would immediately dismiss it or make a joke to deflect the attention. He couldn’t believe that he deserved any praise.

At first, I thought he was just being humble. But as time went on, I realized he was actually struggling with feelings of low self-worth.

He didn’t feel like he was good enough, so he couldn’t accept the idea that others might think highly of him.

If you notice a man having difficulty accepting compliments, it might be more than just modesty. It could be a sign that he has low self-worth.

It could be a good idea to let him know that it’s okay to accept praise and that he deserves to be recognized for his achievements.

10) Avoiding social interactions

This one can be a bit tricky because some people are naturally more introverted or shy.

But if a man goes out of his way to avoid social situations, it could be a sign of low self-worth.

It’s as if he believes he’s not good enough, interesting enough, or worthy enough to be part of the group. So he’d rather stay on the sidelines than risk rejection or judgment.

It’s tough to see someone you care about isolating themselves like this. It’s even tougher when you know they’re doing it because they don’t see their own worth.

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