10 things you’re doing in public that show you have low self-confidence

We all have moments of self-doubt. But for some, these moments might be more public than they realize.

Your actions, even subtly, can scream out loud about your confidence level, especially when you’re in public. And you might not even know you’re doing it!

In this article, I’m going to point out 10 things you may be doing in public that signal your low self-confidence. And don’t worry, I’ll also give you tips on how to turn these around.

Let’s dive in.

1) Constantly apologizing

We all make mistakes and saying sorry when we do is a sign of respect and understanding. But what if you find yourself habitually saying “sorry” even when there’s no need for an apology?

This constant apology can be a clear sign of low self-confidence. You might be apologizing because you feel like a burden or an inconvenience to others. Or perhaps, you’re just too worried about causing any discomfort or conflict.

However, this habit can make others perceive you as lacking confidence. And more importantly, it can reinforce your own feelings of low self-worth.

So next time, before you say “sorry”, pause for a moment. Check if you’re really at fault or are you just trying to avoid any potential conflict? Recognizing this pattern is the first step to breaking it and boosting your confidence.

2) Avoiding eye contact

Here’s a personal one. I remember when I used to struggle with making eye contact during conversations. My gaze would constantly shift, never really meeting the other person’s eyes.

I didn’t realize it then, but looking back, I can see it was a clear sign of my low self-confidence. I was afraid that if I looked them in the eye, they would see my insecurities.

Avoiding eye contact can make you seem unsure or untrustworthy. It’s also a missed opportunity to connect with others on a deeper level.

So I started practicing. I began by making a conscious effort to maintain eye contact during conversations. At first, it was uncomfortable, but slowly, it started feeling more natural. And guess what? My confidence started improving too.

If you’re also avoiding eye contact, it might be time for some practice. Remember, it’s okay to look away occasionally, but try to maintain that connection most of the time. It can make a significant difference in how others perceive you and how you perceive yourself.

3) Speaking quietly or mumbling

Have you ever noticed that individuals with high self-confidence tend to speak clearly and loudly? There’s actually a scientific reason for this. Studies have shown that individuals with higher self-esteem tend to have louder voices.

On the other hand, if you’re often speaking quietly, mumbling, or not enunciating your words clearly, this can be a sign of low self-confidence. It might be that you’re afraid of drawing attention to yourself or worried that what you have to say isn’t valuable or interesting.

But remember, your voice and your words matter. Speaking clearly and audibly not only helps others understand you better but also boosts your own confidence.

4) Constant self-deprecating humor

We all enjoy a good laugh, and sometimes making a joke at our own expense can be a fun way to break the ice. But when self-deprecating humor becomes a constant in your conversations, it could be a sign of low self-confidence.

While you may think you’re just being humble or funny, consistently putting yourself down can give the impression that you lack self-esteem. Plus, it can reinforce negative thinking patterns within yourself.

So, try to balance your humor. It’s okay to crack a joke about yourself occasionally, but also make sure to celebrate your strengths and achievements. Remember, your words have power – don’t underestimate their impact on your self-perception and how others perceive you.

5) Over-explaining and justifying

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where a simple answer would have sufficed, but you went on to provide an elaborate explanation? Over-explaining or constantly justifying your actions or decisions can be a sign of low self-confidence.

When you lack confidence, you may feel the need to validate your choices, afraid that others will question or criticize them. However, this can often put you in a defensive position and make you appear uncertain.

It’s okay to make decisions and stand by them without providing a lengthy explanation. Practice giving concise responses. Over time, this can help boost your confidence and portray you as a more assertive individual.

6) Shying away from compliments

Accepting compliments graciously can be a real challenge when you’re battling low self-confidence. I’ve seen it in friends, family, and even in myself at times.

You may feel the urge to downplay your achievements or deflect the praise onto others. You might even dismiss the compliment entirely, thinking that you don’t deserve it.

But remember, when someone compliments you, they’re acknowledging your effort or talent. By deflecting or dismissing it, you’re not just denying yourself the credit you deserve, but also discounting their opinion.

When someone compliments you, take a moment. Breathe in the good words and let them sink in. Respond with a simple “Thank you.” Believe me, it goes a long way in boosting your self-confidence and strengthening your relationships.

7) Fear of asking questions

There was a time when I would sit silently in meetings, afraid to ask questions. I worried that my queries might seem dumb and that people would think less of me.

This fear of asking questions is a common sign of low self-confidence. It stems from the fear of seeming ignorant or incompetent. But the truth is, asking questions shows that you’re interested and engaged, not ignorant.

Plus, by not asking, you miss out on important information and learning opportunities. So, don’t let fear hold you back. Ask your questions and clear your doubts. It’s a sign of strength, not weakness.

8) Always agreeing with others

You might believe that constantly agreeing with others makes you more likable. After all, who doesn’t enjoy being agreed with? However, this can often signal low self-confidence.

When you always agree even when you don’t genuinely share the same view, it suggests that you’re afraid of confrontation or rejection. It can also make you seem less authentic.

Having and expressing your own opinions, even if they differ from others’, is a sign of confidence and authenticity.

9) Hiding in the background

Have you ever found yourself trying to blend into the background in social settings? Perhaps you’re avoiding being the center of attention or keeping your opinions to yourself to avoid any potential conflict.

This tendency to hide in the background can be a sign of low self-confidence. It suggests that you may not value your own thoughts and contributions enough to share them with others.

Your thoughts and ideas have value. Don’t be afraid to step forward and share them. Over time, this can help boost your confidence and make you a more active participant in social situations.

10) Neglecting your posture

Your body language speaks volumes about your confidence. Slouched shoulders, crossed arms, or constantly looking down can signal low self-confidence.

But here’s the good news. By simply improving your posture, you can boost your confidence. Studies have shown that adopting an upright posture can increase feelings of self-esteem and reduce feelings of fear.

So, keep your shoulders back, chin up and maintain a straight but relaxed posture. This small change can have a big impact on your confidence levels and how others perceive you.