People who feel insecure about their appearance usually display these 7 subtle behaviors

If you’ve ever doubted your looks or felt insecure about your appearance, you’re not alone.

We all have our insecurities, and for many of us, they revolve around our physical appearance.

But did you know that these insecurities often sneak their way into our behavior?

In fact, people who feel insecure about their looks typically display certain subtle behaviors that they might not even realize.

And here’s the kicker: these behaviors can sometimes end up intensifying those feelings of insecurity.

So, if you’re struggling to overcome your insecurities, this article is for you.

Here, we’re going to delve into a discussion on the subtle behaviors commonly found in people who feel insecure about their appearance.

Remember, acknowledging that these behaviors exist is the first step to overcoming them. Stay tuned!

1) Overemphasis on appearance

Picture this:

You spend an hour (or two, or three) in front of the mirror every morning, making sure every hair is in place, every wrinkle is ironed out, and every speck of makeup is perfectly applied.

Now, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to look your best.

But when it becomes an obsession that takes up a significant portion of your day, it might be a sign that you’re feeling insecure about your appearance.

You see, people who are confident with their looks don’t usually feel the need to spend hours perfecting their appearance. They know they look good just the way they are!

So, if you find that you’re dedicating more and more time to primping and preening, it might be worth asking yourself why.

2) Avoiding the camera

A few years ago, I noticed that I was always the one behind the camera at social events.

Family gatherings, nights out with friends, even solo travel adventures—you name it, I was there with my trusty camera, capturing memories for everyone else.

But when it came time to look through the photos, I realized something.

I was never in them.

At first, I reasoned that someone had to take the photos, right?

But then it dawned on me. I was avoiding being in front of the camera because I was insecure about how I would look in the photos.

Insecurity about our appearance can often lead us to avoid situations where we’re likely to be photographed or filmed.

3) Constant comparison

Have you ever found yourself scrolling through Instagram or Facebook, looking at photos of friends, celebrities, or even strangers, and thinking,

“Why can’t I look like that?”

I’ll admit it. I’ve been there.

I’ve spent countless hours pouring over profiles of people who seemed to have it all—the perfect body, flawless skin, trendy clothes.

And with each passing minute, I could feel my self-esteem slipping away.

Yet, what I didn’t realize at that time was that social media isn’t real life. People only show their best selves online. For every perfect selfie, there’s a pile of discarded ones that didn’t make the cut.

But when we’re feeling insecure about our appearance, we often forget this fact. We compare ourselves to these unrealistic standards and feel inadequate when we fall short.

So if you find yourself constantly comparing your looks to those of others, take a step back.

Remember that no one is perfect and everyone has their own insecurities. Your worth isn’t defined by how you stack up against someone else’s highlight reel.

4) Seeking validation

Let’s talk about validation.

People who feel insecure about their appearance often look to others for validation. They need constant reassurance that they are attractive, stylish, or fit.

And here’s where it gets tricky:

While there’s nothing wrong with wanting to hear nice things about ourselves, relying on external validation to feel good about our appearance can be a slippery slope.

It makes our self-esteem dependent on what others think of us, and, let’s face it, opinions can be fickle.

So if you find yourself frequently seeking validation from others about your looks, take a moment to reflect.

The only person whose opinion truly matters is yours. The sooner you can learn to love and accept yourself, the less you’ll need the approval of others.

5) Wearing uncomfortable clothes

Let me tell you something interesting:

In the fashion world, people—usually women—often wear uncomfortable clothes, shoes, or accessories because it is believed that it makes you appear more attractive.

Strange, right?

But it makes sense when you think about it. We live in a society where beauty is often associated with discomfort. High heels, tight jeans, heavy makeup—you name it.

People who feel insecure about their appearance frequently fall into this trap. They choose fashion over comfort in an attempt to fit into society’s beauty standards.

6) Apologizing for your looks

Ever found yourself saying, “Sorry, I’m not looking my best today” or “Excuse my bad hair day”?

Stop right there.

You don’t owe anyone an apology for the way you look.

Feeling the need to apologize for our appearance is a subtle behavior that many people who feel insecure about their looks exhibit.

It’s as if we’re expecting to be judged and are trying to soften the blow by acknowledging it first.

But here’s the thing: we all have off days. We all have moments when we don’t feel like our best selves.

And that’s okay.

Being kind to yourself means accepting that you’re human, and humans aren’t perfect. 

7) Neglecting your own style

At the end of the day, the most important thing to remember is this:

Your style is an expression of who you are.

People who feel insecure about their appearance often neglect their own unique style in favor of what’s popular or trending. They fear standing out or looking different and choose to blend in instead.

But by doing this, you’re not honoring their true selves.

Your style should make you feel comfortable, confident, and happy. It should reflect your personality and individuality. It’s not about fitting into a mold, but about expressing who you are.

So embrace your style, quirks and all. Because there’s nothing more attractive than someone who is unapologetically themselves.

Embracing your authentic self

Recognizing these behaviors in yourself might be a little confronting. It’s tough to accept that we might be guiding our lives based on insecurities about our appearance.

And here’s an undeniable truth: confidence comes from within. It’s not about how you look, but how you feel about the way you look.

So celebrate every single step you take towards embracing your authentic self.

Applaud yourself for every moment you choose comfort over style, every time you decline to apologize for your appearance, and every time you honor your unique style.

Because at the end of the day, there’s only one you in this world.

Ava Sinclair

Ava Sinclair is a former competitive athlete who transitioned into the world of wellness and mindfulness. Her journey through the highs and lows of competitive sports has given her a unique perspective on resilience and mental toughness. Ava’s writing reflects her belief in the power of small, daily habits to create lasting change.

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