When you think about low self-esteem, what comes to mind? Maybe you picture someone who struggles to speak up or someone who doesn’t feel confident in their own skin. However, low self-esteem can show up in subtle ways, impacting your daily actions and decisions without you even realizing it.

In this piece, I’ll reveal seven common behaviors that might indicate you’re dealing with low self-esteem. Trust me, some of these might surprise you.

Constantly Checking Your Phone in Social Situations

Ever find yourself at a party or a meeting, and instead of engaging, you’re glued to your phone? You might think it’s just a way to pass the time, but often, it’s a safety blanket for those with low self-esteem. Hiding behind a screen can feel like a break from the pressure to socialize or appear interesting to others. It’s easier to dive into the digital world than to interact in the real one, especially if you doubt your worth in social settings.

Over-apologizing for Everything

“Sorry for the delay!” “Sorry, can I ask a question?” If these phrases sound familiar, you might be apologizing more than necessary. Over-apologizing can be a sign that you feel like you’re constantly at fault, a feeling that’s tightly linked to low self-esteem. You might feel you’re always one step away from making a mistake or annoying someone, even when there’s no logical reason to feel this way.

Avoiding Eye Contact

Psychologists often point out that avoiding eye contact is a common sign of low self-esteem. It reflects a discomfort with being seen or scrutinized by others. This behavior might stem from a fear of being judged or a belief that one is not interesting or worthy enough to hold someone’s gaze.

In therapeutic settings, psychologists work with individuals to gently confront these fears. They may suggest exercises designed to slowly build comfort with eye contact, such as practicing brief eye contact with a friend or therapist and gradually increasing the duration. This practice can help individuals feel more present and connected in social interactions, ultimately boosting their confidence and self-esteem.

Struggling to Accept Compliments

How do you respond when someone compliments your work or your outfit? If your immediate reaction is to downplay it or reject the compliment, it might be your low self-esteem talking. Instead of saying thank you, you might find yourself responding with, “This? I’ve had it forever!” or “I just got lucky, I guess.” Accepting compliments gracefully can be tough when you don’t feel deserving of them.

Not Trusting Your Own Judgment

Do you find yourself constantly seeking advice for every decision? While it’s completely normal to ask for opinions, relying heavily on others for small and big decisions might mean you don’t trust your own judgment. This can be particularly prevalent if you feel like you’re not good enough to make the right choices on your own.

You Compare Yourself to Others

Comparing yourself to others is a common sign of low self-esteem. You might look at others and feel like you don’t measure up, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy. I think it’s important to remember that everyone’s journey is different. Focus on your own progress and achievements rather than comparing yourself to others. This shift in mindset can significantly improve your self-esteem.

Fearing Failure to the Point of Inaction

If the fear of failing keeps you from trying new things, it might be low self-esteem holding you back. The thought, “Why bother if I’m going to fail?” can be paralyzing. But here’s the thing: failure is a part of life and learning. Avoiding it altogether only keeps you stuck and reinforces the belief that you’re not capable.

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