Self-esteem plays a big role in our mental health. But here’s the kicker – sometimes, our self-esteem dips and we don’t even realize it. Things start to change, and we might not even notice.

It sneaks in through small changes in our usual habits and actions. But hey, don’t sweat it! We’re here to help.

We’re about to share 10 things people don’t realize they do when their self-esteem is low. Brace yourself – you might just learn something new!

1) Over-apologizing

Ever found yourself saying sorry for the littlest things? Like when someone bumps into you and it’s clearly not your fault, but you’re the first to blurt out an apology?

People with low self-esteem often feel like they’re stepping on toes all the time. They feel like they’re in the way, a burden, or just plain wrong.

They apologize – a lot. It’s their way of trying to make things right, even when nothing’s wrong to begin with.

It’s okay to apologize when you’ve made a mistake. But don’t carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. Not everything that goes wrong is your fault.

2) Avoiding eye contact

Ever noticed how sometimes, it’s just too difficult to hold someone’s gaze? It’s as if looking someone in the eye is like staring into the sun; it’s uncomfortable, almost painful.

See yourself in this ?

People with low self-esteem often find it hard to make eye contact. It feels too intimate, too revealing.

They fear that by looking someone in the eye, they are giving them access to their insecurities and vulnerabilities.

But here’s the thing: eye contact is a powerful form of non-verbal communication. It shows confidence and sincerity.

If you find yourself constantly looking at your shoes during a conversation, it might be time to work on building up your self-esteem.

Start small, practice maintaining eye contact for a few seconds at a time and gradually increase the duration. You’ve got this!

3) Constant self-deprecation

You know, I used to make jokes about myself all the time. It was my way of beating others to the punchline. If I made fun of myself first, it wouldn’t hurt as much if someone else did it, right?

People with low self-esteem often use self-deprecation as a defense mechanism.

It’s like we’re trying to mask our insecurities behind a cloud of humor. But constantly putting ourselves down, even as a joke, can reinforce negative self-beliefs and further erode our self-esteem.

It’s okay to engage in light-hearted banter, but remember not to turn yourself into the butt of every joke.

Instead of laughing at yourself, learn to laugh with yourself. There’s a big difference between the two.

Trust me, I’ve been there. And let me tell you – learning to respect and value myself more has been one of the most liberating experiences ever. You deserve the same!

4) Neglecting personal needs

Did you know that people with low self-esteem often place the needs of others before their own? It’s a fact! And while it might sound noble, it’s not always healthy.

These individuals tend to neglect their own needs, whether it’s physical, emotional or mental.

They may skip meals, lose sleep or give up their own comfort for others. They do this because they believe that their needs are not as important or valid as the needs of others.

But here’s a little food for thought: Taking care of yourself is not selfish; it’s necessary.

Just like how on an airplane, you’re advised to put on your own oxygen mask first before assisting others, in life too, you need to ensure your wellbeing before you can effectively help others.

You matter just as much as anyone else!

5) Struggling with acceptance

Have you ever felt like you’re not good enough, not smart enough, or just not enough? It’s a painful feeling, like a silent ache in the heart that refuses to go away.

They find it hard to accept compliments because they don’t believe they’re deserving of them.

They also struggle to accept their achievements, attributing them to luck or timing rather than their own hard work and abilities.

They wrestle with accepting themselves as they are, constantly comparing themselves to others and falling short in their own eyes.

I want you to know something: You are enough. Just as you are. You don’t need to be more of this or less of that to be worthy.

You are deserving of all the good things life has to offer. You deserve love, respect, and happiness.

Accepting this truth is the first step towards building your self-esteem. It might not be easy, but it’s definitely worth it.

6) Fear of saying ‘No’

I remember a time when I would agree to just about anything, even if it meant stretching myself too thin.

I’d take on extra work, help out with someone else’s project, agree to social plans I wasn’t keen on – all because I was afraid to say ‘No’.

People with low self-esteem, like I once was, often struggle with setting boundaries.

The fear of coming off as rude or unkind can make it hard for us to reject requests or decline invitations, even when we really want to or need to for our own well-being.

But over time, I’ve learned that saying ‘No’ isn’t about being mean or selfish. It’s about respecting your own time, energy, and capacity.

It’s okay to say ‘No’ when you’re overwhelmed, when something doesn’t align with your values, or simply when you don’t feel up to it.

Trust me, learning to say ‘No’ can be incredibly empowering and is a big step towards building healthier self-esteem.

7) Perfectionism

Alright, let’s get real here.

Have you ever worked on something for what felt like forever, nitpicking every tiny detail until it was “just right”?

And then, even when everyone else thought it was great, you still couldn’t shake off the feeling that it could’ve been better?

Welcome to the world of perfectionism, my friend.

Many of us with low self-esteem get caught in this trap. We feel like we have to be perfect at everything we do.

We believe that one mistake, one flaw, one tiny slip-up is enough to validate our deepest fears – that we’re not good enough.

Here’s the raw truth: Perfection is a myth. It’s an unattainable standard that we set for ourselves, setting us up for constant disappointment and self-criticism.

We’re all human and guess what? Humans make mistakes.

It’s how we learn, grow and become better. Give yourself permission to be imperfect. It won’t make you any less worthy or any less amazing.

In fact, it will free you to take risks, make mistakes and learn from them – and that’s where the real growth happens!

8) Overthinking

Here’s a fascinating fact: Did you know that people with low self-esteem often engage in overthinking?

They get stuck in their heads, analyzing and re-analyzing past interactions, future possibilities, and every conceivable scenario in between.

They worry about how others perceive them and fear making mistakes. This perpetual state of overthinking can be mentally exhausting and can significantly contribute to stress and anxiety.

Interestingly, overthinking not only hampers our decision-making capabilities but also impairs our problem-solving skills.

Try to break the cycle by focusing on solutions rather than problems, and engage in activities that help clear your mind.

It’s a small step towards boosting your self-esteem and reclaiming your peace of mind!

9) Seeking validation

I have to admit, there was a time in my life when I was constantly seeking validation from others. I wanted my decisions, my actions, even my feelings to be validated.

I believed that if others approved of me, then I was doing alright. But looking back now, I realize that this was a clear sign of my low self-esteem.

People who lack self-esteem often depend on others to make them feel good about themselves.

They seek validation and approval to confirm their worth. But the truth is, while it’s nice to receive compliments and recognition from others, our self-worth should not be dependent on external validation.

It took me a while to understand this, but now I know: My worth is inherent. It’s not determined by how many likes I get on a social media post or how many people agree with my point of view.

The only validation that truly matters is the one that comes from within. And trust me when I say this, embracing this truth is one of the most empowering things you can do for yourself!

10) Fear of failure

Let’s cut to the chase. Fear of failure is a biggie for those of us with low self-esteem. We’re so scared of messing up that oftentimes, we don’t even try.

We stick to what we know, avoid taking risks, and miss out on so many opportunities because we’re petrified of what will happen if we fail.

But here’s the cold, hard truth: Failure is a part of life. Everyone fails, and it’s not always a bad thing.

In fact, some of the most successful people in the world have failed multiple times before they found success.

Failure isn’t a testament to your worth or abilities; it’s just an indication that a certain approach didn’t work out.

Remember this: You are more than your failures. Don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.