Article created by: Saulė Tolstych

Ruminating on the most trivial things, having a bad self-image, dreading failure, coping with social anxiety, continuously seeking reassurance – all of this is only a minor portion of what we call "insecurity." It's a universal part of the human condition, and while there's no one-size-fits-all cause for this incredibly dreadful state, it's safe to say that a fair share stems from trauma. 

But here’s the thing, insecurity is complex.

Sometimes you can tell that someone has poor self-esteem by their speech, mannerisms, and even their posture, in certain cases. But there are also those who excel at disguising it. So, are you curious to know about the signs of insecurity that are not as evident?

“What screams insecurity but most people don’t realize [it]?” – this internet user sought out one of Reddit’s most insightful and thought-provoking communities, asking its members to reveal obscure behavioral traits that indicate that someone lacks confidence. The thread managed to garner nearly 40K upvotes as well as 16.7K comments containing some intriguing answers.

More info: Reddit | Zara-Dee's Instagram

#1

Person squeezing their stomach fat wearing a dark shirt, illustrating physical signs that scream insecurity. Insecurity can manifest in different ways and can be difficult to detect, as people often try to hide or cover up their insecurities. Some common behaviors or actions that may indicate insecurity include: Seeking constant validation or reassurance: If a person constantly seeks validation or reassurance from others, it could be a sign that they are insecure and unsure of themselves. Putting others down: People who are insecure may try to make themselves feel better by belittling or putting others down. Overcompensating: Someone who is insecure may try to overcompensate by boasting or exaggerating their achievements or abilities. Being overly critical of themselves or others: Insecurity can sometimes lead to excessively criticizing oneself or others. Being overly defensive: If a person becomes defensive or reactive when their beliefs or actions are questioned, it could be a sign of insecurity. It is important to remember that everyone experiences insecurity at some point in their lives, and it is a normal part of being human. However, it is important to address and work on insecurities healthily to promote personal growth and well-being. /ai

breakite , Andres Ayrton Report

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    #2

    Man in dark blazer and white shirt smiling, representing what screams insecurity in subtle ways. buying Twitter

    Theodorable47 , Debbie Rowe Report

    #3

    Person performing a risky ATV wheelie on the road, illustrating behaviors that scream insecurity without realization. Revving an engine in front of a bunch of strangers who could care less about cars or motorcycles

    Moist-Pool-5937 , EL YAZID KABBAJ Report

    #4

    Graduate in cap and gown holding diploma outdoors, symbolizing confidence beyond what screams insecurity. Ridiculing other people’s achievements

    queenofthegrapess , Feyza Tuğba Report

    #5

    Young woman smiling and looking at phone, illustrating signs of insecurity people often don’t realize. When you achieve something or improve your life in any way, and their first instinct is to tease or make fun of you, it actually screams instant jealousy.

    timbuckley01 , leyla.a Report

    #6

    Bride and groom holding hands during wedding ceremony, surrounded by guests and natural floral decorations showing insecurity signs. Huge wedding. My sister and her husband spent $70k. Divorced in 9 months.

    theMAJdragon , Alan Ortiz Report

    #7

    Glass jar tipped over spilling many copper coins on a dark surface representing insecurity signs people don’t realize. 1. Wearing massive designer logos such as Phillip Plein on everything 2. Bragging about money/girls 3. Lying about the smallest and meaningless things 4. Changing their views and principles based on who they speak to in the hope they’ll be liked

    Eyeswift , Pixabay Report

    #8

    Young woman showing signs of insecurity, holding her head in hands during a counseling session indoors. Insulting your friend in front of others to be cool.

    SuvenPan , Liza Summer Report

    #9

    Person holding smartphone with face filter, illustrating behaviors that scream insecurity without realization. Posting pictures of yourself with tons of filters on

    SteveStSteve , cottonbro studio Report

    #10

    Two people shaking hands in an office setting, symbolizing confidence but hinting at hidden insecurity signs. Those handshakes that are firm to the point you wonder if they're actually trying to hurt you

    bawdyloco , fauxels Report

    #11

    Handwritten message in a notebook reading don't compare yourself to others, highlighting signs of insecurity concept. The incessant need to compare.

    Pretty-Benefit-233 , Bich Tran Report

    #12

    Framed pixel art and digital images on display with QR codes, highlighting subtle signs of insecurity. Selling NFTs of yourself.

    distractionfactory , pinguino k Report

    #13

    Close-up of a person laughing with colorful confetti on their face, illustrating hidden signs of insecurity. Being loud and domineering in every conversation.

    LucyVialli , Monstera Report

    #14

    Young man holding two toilet paper rolls over his eyes symbolizing what screams insecurity in an unusual way When they can’t make fun of themselves Edit: holy yes the opposite is just as bad I know. I’ve literally gotten that same comment about 100 times 😭 please stop redditors, my notifications can’t handle it

    gulaggremlin , cottonbro studio Report

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    #15

    Mannequins in a boutique window display wearing trendy dresses, highlighting signs of insecurity in fashion choices. People who wear ridiculous clothing on ridiculous prices just to show off they are well off financially. Usually young people.

    CarryTrain , Rob Olivera Report

    #16

    Tabby cat lying on wooden floor as hand places paper crown, symbolizing insecurity in a subtle and relatable way Bragging and giving yourself titles

    iam4r33 , Anna Shvets Report

    #17

    Two women talking on a city street, one gesturing while discussing signs that scream insecurity in behavior. Trying to justify every “mistake”, usually its minimal, but once you notice someone that does it, you just cant stop noticing it when they do it

    benitocamelo11 , Sora Shimazaki Report

    #18

    Wooden figurines grouped together on a red background symbolizing what screams insecurity in people. Obsessing over hierarchies, or who is 'ahead' and who is 'behind' in life.

    AdultMNTurtle , Ann H Report

    #19

    Yellow sticky note on wooden table with word sorry and smiley face symbolizing insecurity signs unnoticed. Never apologizing Some people will twist the story, change the way it happened and retell it so convincingly that they’ll believe their own nonsense but will never apologize

    SuvenPan , Suzy Hazelwood Report

    #20

    Young woman in a black shirt pointing at herself, illustrating what screams insecurity with subtle body language. Taking a situation that was never about you or had you involved in it and somehow making it all about yourself and playing victim(even tho you had meddle in it and make yourself the" victim ")

    Professional-Exit754 , MART PRODUCTION Report

    #21

    Woman wearing headphones and looking out a large window, illustrating signs of insecurity and self-reflection. Not listening. Preparing the next smart thing to say without listening to what the other one is saying .

    DennisV1993 , Burst Report

    #22

    Young tattooed woman with a towel on her head holding lemon slices over eyes, illustrating signs of insecurity concept. Being the funny one in a group at other’s (mostly the quiet ones) expense.

    FictionalReality7 , Anna Shvets Report

    #23

    Two women sitting on a bed, one showing a middle finger, expressing hidden insecurity signs in a tense moment. When they found a point that makes them look better than the other person and continue to overstay on that point. Edit: The situation is subjective, and I’m talking about the situation whereby the person punches down on someone to make themselves feel good. I did not mean for a person who requires positive affirmations.

    the_far_yard , RODNAE Productions Report

    #24

    Person in a yellow sweater holding a folded beach chair, conveying emotions that scream insecurity by the sea. The three I always look out for are: 1. Overt displays of intelligence/prowess. 2. Belittling others. 3. A need to closely monitor the behaviour of others.

    Conway_Morning , Andrea Piacquadio Report

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    #25

    Person with tattoos reading a book outdoors, illustrating signs of insecurity in a peaceful natural setting. Explaining how smart you are.

    NotReallyChaucer , Leah Kelley Report

    #26

    Group of diverse people standing by a window, each focused on their phone, illustrating subtle signs of insecurity. purposely waiting a long time to text back so you don’t seem “desperate”

    coconutflanflakes , fauxels Report