Self-worth is a big deal. It’s that intrinsic feeling that you matter, that you bring value to the world. But sometimes, due to various reasons, people struggle with low self-worth.

It’s not always easy to spot. People have a knack for masking their insecurities. But there are certain behaviors that can give it away.

These behaviors act like silent signals. They’re like the smoke that indicates a hidden fire of self-doubt and insecurity.

In the following article, we’ll explore 9 such behaviors. If someone you know displays these, they likely struggle with low self-worth.

1) Overly apologetic

We all know someone who says “sorry” a lot. And I mean, a lot.

Apologies are essential. They mend bridges and show accountability. But if you know someone who’s always saying sorry, even for the smallest things, it could be a sign of low self-worth.

People struggling with self-worth often believe they’re a burden to others. They feel they’re always in the way, causing inconvenience.

This constant need to apologize might seem polite on the surface. But deep down, it’s a clear sign of someone battling with their sense of self-worth.

2) Constant self-deprecation

My friend, James, he was the life of every party. His humor was infectious, especially when he’d crack jokes at his own expense before anyone else got the chance.

Initially, we all just laughed along, thinking it was his comedic style. But as time passed, I started noticing a trend. His humor seemed less about making us laugh and more about tearing himself down.

James would constantly riff on his so-called ‘lack of smarts’, ‘not-so-hot looks’, or ‘inability to get anything right’. It got to a point where it felt less like comedy and more like a plea for help.

After a few deep chats, it hit me: James was wrestling with some serious self-worth issues. He used self-deprecation as a shield, hoping to deflect any potential criticism about his supposed flaws.

Through James, I realized that relentless self-deprecation might signal some deeper struggles with self-esteem. It’s a behavior worth tuning into because behind those jokes could be a silent plea for support and understanding.

3) Difficulty accepting compliments

Researchers discovered that individuals with low self-esteem have a harder time accepting compliments. They often dismiss, deflect, or downplay them.

People struggling with low self-worth often believe they are not deserving of praise. When complimented, they might respond with comments like “It was nothing,” or “I just got lucky.”

They may even reject the compliment outright, contradicting the praise with their own negative self-perception.

This inability to accept compliments gracefully is more than just modesty. It can be a clear indicator of low self-worth. By understanding this, we can tailor our responses to reinforce the positive aspects they fail to see in themselves.

4) Avoiding eye contact

Eye contact can be a powerful tool in human communication. But for someone struggling with low self-worth, it can feel like an insurmountable task.

You’ll notice them glancing downward, shifting their gaze elsewhere, or zoning in on random objects during a convo. It’s all because they’re wrestling with discomfort and nerves.

They might feel like they’re not worth the attention or worry about being sized up and judged. Avoiding eye contact becomes their safety net, a shield against what they think will be harsh scrutiny.

5) Neglecting self-care

Self-care isn’t just about indulging in spa treatments and bubble baths—it’s a holistic approach to nurturing your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Yet, for those grappling with low self-worth, self-care often gets shoved to the back burner.

They might skimp on their physical health, skipping meals, sacrificing sleep, or letting exercise slide off their radar.

Meanwhile, their mental and emotional well-being suffer as they drown in work, neglect relaxation, and abandon activities they once loved.

Now, this neglect doesn’t stem from laziness but from a deep-seated belief that they’re not worthy of care. They convince themselves they don’t deserve the time or effort, not even from their own selves.

6) Isolating from loved ones

 Sometimes, we crave moments of solitude, but when someone habitually distances themselves from those they love, it might signal a deeper issue: low self-esteem.

Here’s the thing: those battling with their self-worth often perceive themselves as unworthy of companionship, fearing criticism, rejection, or deeming their presence insignificant in social settings.

Witnessing this self-imposed exile is gut-wrenching for those who cherish them. It’s crucial to grasp that their withdrawal isn’t a snub, but rather a mirror of their inner battles.

7) Perfectionism

I remember those days when I’d get lost in a task, sweating the small stuff, not to excel, but to dodge criticism at all costs. I was caught up in the perfectionism trap.

Truth be told, perfectionism usually kicks in when self-worth takes a hit. Folks battling with their self-esteem create sky-high standards, convinced that anything short of perfect just won’t cut it.

They dread the idea that slip-ups or flops will validate their worst fear: that they’re simply not up to snuff. And that fear? It can pile on the stress, lead to burnout, and dig their self-esteem even deeper into a hole.

8) Constant comparison with others

In the age of social media, it’s easy to fall into the comparison trap. But for people with low self-worth, this comparison is often constant and self-deprecating.

They habitually measure their success, appearance, and abilities against others, usually perceiving themselves as less than. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and further erode their self-esteem.

However, it’s important to remember that everyone has a unique journey and pace. Reminding them of their own strengths and achievements can help shift their focus from comparison to self-acceptance and growth.

9) Dismissive of their own achievements

One of the most telling signs of low self-worth is when someone consistently dismisses their own achievements.

They might downplay their accomplishments, attributing them to luck or external factors rather than their own abilities. They may even brush off praise or recognition, feeling they don’t truly deserve it.

This behavior reflects a deep-seated belief that they are not enough, regardless of what they achieve. It’s vital to help them see and celebrate their wins, big or small, to foster a genuine sense of self-worth.

Embrace your journey: From struggle to strength

The journey of self-worth is one such complexity. It’s not a destination, but a continuous process of self-discovery and growth.

For individuals grappling with diminished self-esteem, these behaviors aren’t merely flaws but poignant messages. They’re subtle pleas for validation, empathy, and affection.

Should you identify these patterns within yourself or others, take heart. We’re all masterpieces in the making, each bearing our own distinct struggles and stories.