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

Hey there, we all can struggle with self-confidence from time to time, and that’s okay!

But, did you know some of your public behaviors might be broadcasting your lack of confidence loud and clear? Little things, you might not even realize you’re doing.

You see, self-confidence isn’t just about the way we feel inside. It also has a lot to do with how we present ourselves to the world.

Let’s talk about 9 common things that you might be doing in public which show you’re lacking in self-confidence.

1) Over-apologizing

We all make mistakes, and it’s important to say sorry when we do. But, have you noticed you’re always apologizing, even when you don’t have to?

That’s right. Over-apologizing is a common sign of low self-confidence.

It’s like you’re constantly trying to avoid conflict or criticism. You’re saying sorry, not necessarily because you’ve done something wrong, but because you’re worried about how people will react.

The thing is, by over-apologizing, we might think we’re being polite or considerate. But in reality, it can make us appear less confident and more submissive.

When you find yourself about to say sorry for something trivial or that isn’t your fault, try to catch yourself and hold back. It’s okay not to apologize for everything.

2) Avoiding eye contact

Ever caught yourself avoiding direct eye contact during a conversation? I know I have.

I remember once at a networking event, I found myself unable to maintain eye contact with the people I was talking to. My eyes kept darting around the room, looking for an escape route.

Looking back now, I realize that it was my low self-confidence speaking. I felt like I didn’t belong there, and it showed in my inability to hold a steady gaze.

Eye contact is a powerful form of non-verbal communication. It shows that you’re present, listening, and confident. But when we’re feeling insecure, we tend to avoid it.

When try to make an effort to maintain eye contact during conversations. It might feel uncomfortable initially, but with practice, it can significantly boost your perceived confidence.

3) Speaking too fast

Did you know that the speed at which we talk can say a lot about our confidence level? That’s right, research shows that people often speak faster when they’re nervous or anxious.

When we’re feeling low on confidence, we might rush through our words, thinking that the faster we speak, the sooner we can escape the spotlight.

But here’s the thing: speaking too fast can make it hard for others to follow along. Plus, it gives off the impression that we’re not confident in what we’re saying.

So next time you’re speaking, try to slow down a bit. Take your time to articulate your thoughts clearly. It’s not just about being understood, it’s also about displaying confidence.

4) Constantly self-deprecating

A little bit of self-deprecating humor can be charming. It shows you don’t take yourself too seriously. But when it becomes a constant habit, it can signal low self-confidence.

If you’re always the first one to put yourself down or make yourself the butt of the joke, it might seem like you’re trying to beat others to the punch. Like you’re expecting criticism and trying to soften the blow.

While it’s healthy to admit flaws and mistakes, constantly belittling oneself can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. It can reinforce negative self-perceptions and damage your self-confidence.

Try to catch yourself when you start to self-deprecate. Remember, nobody’s perfect, and it’s okay to celebrate your strengths as well as accept your weaknesses.

5) Fidgeting excessively

We all fidget from time to time. It’s a natural response when we’re nervous or anxious. But did you ever notice that you fidget more when you’re feeling less confident?

Excessive fidgeting, like constantly tapping your foot, playing with your hair, or shifting in your seat, can be a clear sign of low self-confidence. It’s as if your nervous energy needs an outlet.

The problem is that fidgeting can distract others and make you appear restless or even untrustworthy.

So the next time you catch yourself fidgeting excessively, try to relax and stay still. Practice deep breathing or grounding techniques to help calm your nerves and boost your confidence.

6) Shrinking yourself

Ever noticed how you physically respond when you’re feeling less confident? Perhaps you hunch your shoulders, cross your arms, or make yourself appear smaller in some way.

This tendency to shrink ourselves is more than just a physical response. It’s a reflection of how we feel inside, like we’re trying to take up less space, to be less noticeable.

But here’s the thing; you’re allowed to take up space. You’re allowed to be seen and heard. You don’t have to shrink yourself to make others comfortable.

Stand tall. Keep your shoulders back and your head high. Show the world that you’re confident and that you belong. It might feel strange at first, but trust me – it can make a world of difference.

7) Avoiding social interactions

There was a time when I would avoid social interactions like the plague. Parties, gatherings, even small talk with the cashier at the grocery store – they all felt like daunting tasks.

Turns out, this avoidance was a manifestation of my low self-confidence. I was worried about saying the wrong thing, about not being interesting enough, about being judged.

Avoiding social interactions might seem like an easy solution to these fears. But in reality, it only reinforces them. The less we interact with people, the more daunting it seems.

Try to face these social situations head-on. Start small if you need to. Remember, everyone feels awkward sometimes. It’s completely normal. And with every interaction, you’re building your confidence bit by bit.

8) Not voicing your opinions

Have you ever held back your thoughts or opinions because you were worried about how others might react? That’s a classic sign of low self-confidence.

When we don’t have faith in our own ideas, we might avoid speaking up. We fear being judged or rejected. We worry that our ideas aren’t good enough.

But by not voicing our thoughts, we miss out on valuable discussions and opportunities to learn. Plus, it prevents others from getting to know us and our perspectives.

When you have an idea or an opinion, don’t shy away from sharing it. Your thoughts are valuable and they deserve to be heard. It might feel scary at first, but with practice, it gets easier.

9) Comparing yourself to others

One of the most damaging things you can do to your self-confidence is to constantly compare yourself to others. It’s a trap that can lead you down a spiral of self-doubt and insecurity.

Remember, everyone’s journey is different. We all have our own strengths, weaknesses, and experiences. Comparing your chapter one to someone else’s chapter twenty isn’t fair or productive.

Focus on your own growth. Celebrate your progress. And remember, confidence comes from within. It’s about knowing your worth, regardless of how you stack up against others.

Final thoughts: Self-confidence is a journey

Self-confidence isn’t something that’s fixed or set in stone. It’s a journey, a process of growth and self-discovery.

And while our behaviors can give away our levels of self-confidence, it’s essential to remember that they are just that – behaviors. They’re not indicative of our worth or our potential.

Every one of us, no matter how confident we may appear, has moments of self-doubt and insecurity. It’s part of being human. But it’s also within our power to change these behaviors and become more confident versions of ourselves.

Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing.” So let’s face those fears, let’s challenge those behaviors that hold us back.

Because at the end of the day, self-confidence is about believing in ourselves, about knowing our worth and embracing who we are – quirks and all. And that journey starts with you.