10 Obvious Low Self-Esteem Signs

Last Updated on April 27, 2022.

If you are not careful, low self-esteem can lead to things like depression, bad decisions, toxic relationships, bad health, and more. If you are unsure if you are at risk for any of these, here are 10 signs you have low self-esteem.

Are You Suffering from These Low Self-Esteem Signs?

1. You Can’t Say No

Saying “yes” to everything is a sign of low self-esteem. There are many reasons why some people cannot say “no” but many find that they are a “yes” person because it gives them a sense of value. In the end though, not being able to say no will cause things like regret, frustration, and stress. You must learn how to turn others down. It’s important for your sanity and health.

2. Taking Things Personally is a Sign of Low Self-Esteem

Do you take things personally? When someone criticizes your work or something about you, do you get angry, frustrated, or feel less than? If you do, chances are you have some issues with self-esteem. When someone judges you or criticizes you with the intent of hurting you, it’s not a reflection on you, it’s a reflection on them. It may seem difficult but you CAN learn to stop taking things personally.

3. You Have A Hard Time Making Decisions

We all have difficulties making decisions sometimes, but if you find that it happens often, it’s a sign of low self-esteem. Those with low self-worth are afraid to make decisions because they fear making mistakes, upsetting someone, or looking bad in front of others. If this is you, there are things you can do to be more decisive.

4. You Are Terrified Of Taking Risks

If you suffer from low-self esteem then you know that staying in your comfort zone is nice and safe, and you do not have to worry about getting hurt. This is why so many people who have low self-esteem end up stuck in bad relationships, and jobs. Instead of taking a risk to make a change, they stay exactly where they are. In order to succeed you have to take risks and get out of your comfort zone.

5. You Feel You Have To Prove Yourself To Others

Do you feel you have to go above and beyond to prove yourself? Those who do not value themselves as much as they should feel they have to prove their worth. They tend to tout their accomplishments often. Bragging is often a sign of low self-esteem.

6. Feeling Like An Outsider Around Others is a Sign of Low Self-Esteem

This depends on the situation. There were many times I felt like an outsider around others but most of the time it was because I had nothing in common with them, and that’s fine. It’s normal to feel that way. When you always feel like an outsider, however, no matter what the situation, it is a sign of self-esteem issues. This is especially true if you feel others will judge you, look down on you, laugh at you, or treat you differently if they got to know you.

7. You May Have Low Self-Esteem If You Blame Others

When something bad happens to you, do you tend to look for someone or something to blame? You can’t get your bills under control so it’s the credit card company’s fault. Maybe you haven’t been promoted because you are not a brown-noser. Whatever the case, if you find that you do this, you may have low self-esteem.

8. You Talk Negatively About Yourself

Do you say or think things like, “I suck at life,” or “I’ll never be good enough”? How about “I’m not pretty,” or “I am not that smart or talented”? People with low self-esteem use this type of negative self-talk often. If you do this, try to say more positive things about yourself throughout the day.

9. You Often Feel Like You Are Not Good Enough

Do you feel as though you are not good enough for your spouse, family, job, etc.? If so, that is a sign of low self-esteem. You are good enough, it’s just that you can’t see it. Learn to love yourself and stop being blinded by low self-worth.

10. Constantly Comparing Yourself is a Sign of Low Self-Esteem

Comparing yourself to others is a great way to develop low self-esteem. If you do this constantly, then you probably have self-esteem issues. This is because we can never be someone else. When we compare, we are just setting ourselves up for failure. We are on our own path, so stay focused and run your own race.

Conclusion

If these signs seem familiar to you, then chances are you have low self-esteem. We all feel like these at times but if it is a constant struggle for you, then seek to find help. Learn how to boost your self-esteem and confidence. Whatever you decide to do, just decide. Decide that you will be a more confident and more self-loving person.

What is your biggest challenge with low self-esteem? Let me know in the comments below.