Self-worth plays a significant role in how we live our lives. When it’s low, it can dramatically affect our choices and behaviors, often without us even realizing it.

Speaking from personal experience, I’ve noticed that women struggling with low self-worth often exhibit a set of common patterns. They’re not always aware of these behaviors, yet they are telltale signs of their internal struggle.

In this piece, I’ll share with you the 7 behaviors women with low self-worth frequently display.

1) Constant self-criticism

A common trait among women battling low self-worth is a tendency to constantly criticize themselves.

This habit typically manifests in their internal dialogue. They might downplay their accomplishments, focus excessively on their flaws, or compare themselves unfavorably to others.

The tricky part is, they often do this without even realizing it. It’s not that they’re trying to be overly modest or seek reassurance from others. This self-criticism is just a natural outcome of how they view themselves.

Recognizing this pattern of constant self-criticism can be an important step towards improving self-worth. By becoming aware of these thoughts, one can start to challenge them and replace them with healthier beliefs about oneself.

Keep in mind, though, everyone has moments of self-doubt. But when these thoughts become persistent and pervasive, it may indicate a struggle with low self-worth.

2) Fear of rejection

Here’s something personal. I remember a time when I was terrified of rejection. I would go to great lengths to avoid situations where there was even a slight chance of being turned down.

This fear extended beyond just romantic relationships. I was afraid of applying for jobs, pitching ideas at work, or even asking friends to hang out, worrying they might say no.

Looking back, I realize this was a classic sign of my struggle with low self-worth. I was so afraid of rejection because I saw it as a reflection of my value as a person.

If you notice this fear dictating your actions or holding you back from opportunities, it might be an indicator of low self-worth. 

3) Over-apologizing

Have you ever noticed someone who seems to say “sorry” a lot? Even when they haven’t done anything wrong, they still find a reason to apologize.

This is a common behavior among women with low self-worth. They tend to assume that they are at fault, even when they’re not.

Interestingly, a study found that women tend to apologize more than men, not because they commit more mistakes, but because they have a lower threshold for what constitutes offensive behavior.

Over-apologizing might seem harmless, but it can be a sign of an underlying issue with self-worth. Recognizing this behavior can be the first step towards addressing the root cause.

4) Neglecting self-care

Another behavior that women with low self-worth often display is neglecting their own self-care.

They might constantly prioritize others’ needs over their own, skip meals, avoid exercise, or not get enough sleep. This isn’t about being busy or not having enough time. It’s more about feeling undeserving of care and attention.

Many people think self-care is a luxury or an act of selfishness. But in reality, it’s an essential part of maintaining good mental and physical health.

If you find yourself consistently putting others before yourself to your own detriment, it might be time to reassess your self-worth and start prioritizing your own wellbeing.

5) Struggling to accept compliments

There was a time when I couldn’t accept a compliment without feeling uncomfortable or questioning the person’s motives. A simple “You look nice today” could send me into a spiral of self-doubt and confusion, wondering if they were just being polite or if there was some hidden meaning behind it.

Accepting compliments can be surprisingly difficult for those with low self-worth. Instead of taking the kind words at face value, they might question the sincerity behind them or deflect them entirely.

This struggle often stems from a belief that they are not deserving of praise or positive attention.

6) Avoiding risks

Risk-taking can be scary for anyone, but for women with low self-worth, it can feel almost impossible. They may prefer to stick to what they know, avoiding new experiences or opportunities out of fear of failure.

This fear can hold them back in various aspects of life, from their career to their personal relationships. They may miss out on potential growth opportunities simply because they’re too scared to take the leap.

If you often find yourself avoiding risks due to fear of failure, it might be a sign of low self-worth. Remember, failure is a part of life and a chance for learning and growth. Don’t let the fear of it limit your potential.

7) Seeking validation from others

Perhaps the most telling sign of low self-worth in women is a constant need for external validation. They often rely on others’ opinions and approval to feel good about themselves, rather than finding validation from within.

This dependence on external sources for self-worth can lead to a cycle of self-doubt and insecurity. It’s healthy and normal to value the opinions of others, but it becomes problematic when one’s self-worth hinges entirely on it.

Your worth is not determined by others’ perceptions. It comes from within, and recognizing this is a crucial step towards developing a healthier sense of self.