Do any of these signs of insecurity sound familiar?
Getty / Verywell Mind
Its impossible to find a single person who hasntfelt insecureat some point in their life.
Even the people who seemingly ride through waves without a care in the world have insecurities.
Getty / Verywell Mind
Understanding Insecurity
Long story short, insecurity is the experience of feeling unsafe or uncertain within ourselves.
You might also experience insecurity (or feel it more deeply) in certain scenarios or around certain people.
Did You Know?
Instead of acting from a place of assuredness, insecurity can make us respond or react out of fear.
In fact, you may not even know or recognize the insecurity youre experiencing in everyday interactions with people.
Over-apologizing can reflect a fear of being a burden or making mistakes, Holland explains.
She notes that this behavior is often an unconscious attempt tomaintain peace and avoid perceived rejection.
Such a reaction often signals you’re having difficulty accepting yourself.
Constant Need for Validation
Frequentlyseeking validationfrom others is another subtle sign of insecurity.
This behavior often manifests asrepeatedly asking for reassuranceor fishing for compliments.
Over time, it can strain relationships, as others may feel pressured to provide endless encouragement or affirmation.
Social Withdrawal
On the other hand, some peoples insecurity may show up viaself-isolating.
(Its also the quickest way to prevent your success in the long term).
This might look like constantly bragging or dominating conversations to ensure others see their value.
While it can temporarily boost confidence, it often alienates others and creates a sense of imbalance in relationships.
When done consistently, this behavior can reinforce feelings of inadequacy in yourself while making others feel uncomfortable.
Perfectionism often hides a deep sense of inadequacy, Holland says.
Perfectionism can lead to paralyzing self-doubt, where nothing they do ever feels good enough.
Jealousy and Comparison
Jealousy and comparisonare subtle signs of insecurity that undermine self-esteem and strain relationships.
This behavior often involves focusing on what others have or achieve, leading to feelings of inadequacy or resentment.
Over time, it can create acycle of negative self-talkand dissatisfaction, making it harder to appreciate personal progress.
These tendencies often stem from a deeper struggle with self-worth and the fear of not being good enough.
This behavior may seem caring, but it reflects a fear of disconnection or rejection, Holland says.
Underneath, theres a belief that love and belonging must be earned, not freely given.
Dr. Hafeez says you could only rely on yourself to be your one true cheerleader.
If any of the above signs of insecurity feel familiar, here are some steps you could take.
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