There’s a vast difference between simply being humble and lacking self-confidence.

This distinction often boils down to self-awareness. Men who lack confidence may act in ways that subtly reveal their insecurities, without even realizing it.

Identifying these behaviors can be illuminating, not just for the men themselves, but for those interacting with them. 

In this article, we’ll explore 8 such behaviors that might indicate a lack of self-confidence in men. 

1) Over apologizing

One of the common traits of men who lack self-confidence is the tendency to over apologize.

Apologizing is an important social skill, no doubt about it. It demonstrates empathy, understanding, and the willingness to take responsibility for one’s actions.

However, when apologies become excessive or are offered for minor mishaps or even normal behavior, it could be a sign of low self-confidence.

Men who lack confidence might feel they are constantly doing something wrong and hence tend to apologize even when it isn’t necessary. They may feel the need to seek approval or reassurance from others constantly, and apologizing becomes a means to achieve that.

2) Avoiding eye contact

Another subtle sign of lacking self-confidence is avoiding eye contact.

Take it from me, I used to do it all the time. When I was younger, I often struggled with self-confidence and one way it manifested itself was through my inability to maintain eye contact during conversations.

Maintaining eye contact can be uncomfortable for some, especially if you’re feeling self-conscious or unsure of yourself. I would often find my gaze drifting away, especially during important discussions or meetings.

It was as if looking someone in the eye would reveal my insecurities, so I chose to avoid it. It took time for me to realize that this was a subtle sign of my lack of self-confidence.

Once I began working on building my confidence, I noticed a significant improvement in my ability to maintain eye contact. Now, it’s something I consciously practice during my interactions.

3) Negative self-talk

It’s not uncommon for men who lack self-confidence to engage in negative self-talk. This refers to the internal dialogue that diminishes one’s own abilities and worth.

Here’s something intriguing – studies have shown that our brain doesn’t really distinguish between our inner dialogue and what we actually say out loud. So, when someone constantly tells themselves they’re not good enough or they can’t do something, the brain starts to believe it, which further diminishes self-confidence.

This pattern of negative self-talk can be a subtle sign of low self-esteem.

But the good news is it can be changed. By consciously shifting our inner dialogue to be more positive and supportive, we can significantly boost our self-confidence over time.

4) Fear of taking risks

Men who lack self-confidence often exhibit a fear of taking risks.

Risk-taking is a part of life. Whether it’s a new job, a new relationship, or even trying a new hobby, every new venture brings along some level of risk.

However, for those with low self-confidence, the fear of failure often outweighs the potential rewards of taking a risk. They might choose to stay in their comfort zone rather than embracing the unknown.

This fear of risk-taking can limit personal growth and opportunities. Building self-confidence involves challenging yourself and stepping outside your comfort zone, which inevitably means facing and embracing risks.

5) Poor posture

Believe it or not, physical behaviors can also hint towards a man’s level of self-confidence, and one such behavior is posture.

Men who lack self-confidence often have poor posture. This could mean slouching, avoiding eye contact, or constantly looking down. They tend to make themselves smaller as if trying to be unnoticed or unobtrusive.

On the flip side, good posture often signals confidence.

Standing tall with your shoulders back not only makes you appear more confident, but it can also make you feel more confident. It’s a small change but can make a significant difference in perception, both for yourself and for those around you.

6) Difficulty accepting compliments

Have you ever noticed how some people struggle to accept compliments? This is often a subtle behavior displayed by men who lack self-confidence.

Many times, they find it hard to believe that they deserve the compliment or feel that there’s an ulterior motive behind it.

Instead of simply saying thank you, they might downplay their achievements or deflect the praise onto someone else.

7) Constantly seeking approval

The need for constant approval from others is another subtle behavior that can indicate a lack of self-confidence in men.

When someone is not confident in their own abilities or decisions, they often seek validation from others. This could be in the form of constantly asking for opinions, needing reassurance for decisions made, or doing things to please others rather than themselves.

While it’s natural to seek advice or want to fit in, relying too heavily on others’ approval can become a detriment to one’s self-confidence.

Learning to trust your own judgement and make decisions independently can help foster a stronger sense of self-confidence.

8) Hiding true feelings

One of the most telling signs of low self-confidence in men is when they hide their true feelings or opinions.

Men who lack self-confidence may feel that their feelings are invalid or won’t be well received by others. As a result, they may suppress their emotions or avoid expressing their true thoughts, often in an attempt to avoid conflict or judgement.

This can lead to a lack of authenticity and hinder genuine connections with others.