8 subtle behaviors of people who secretly feel inferior around you

Sometimes, the people around us are fighting battles we know nothing about.

They may smile, they may laugh, but beneath the surface, they may be grappling with feelings of inferiority.

It’s not always easy to spot these feelings.

They often hide behind a veil of confidence, masked by a loud laugh or an outgoing personality. But if you look closely enough, you might be able to identify subtle behaviors that reveal these hidden insecurities.

Have you ever wondered if someone in your life secretly feels inferior around you?

Do you want to understand the subtle signs that someone might be struggling with self-worth issues?

If so, read on. Here are 8 subtle behaviors of people who secretly feel inferior around you:

1) Overcompensation through excellence

One of the most common yet overlooked signs of inferiority is a relentless pursuit of perfection.

This could be in any aspect of life – work, hobbies, physical appearance, or even social interactions.

Does someone you know always strive to be the best, often at the cost of their own well-being?

Are they never satisfied with ‘good enough’ and continually push for ‘the best’?

While on the surface, this might appear as ambition or dedication, it could be a cover-up for a deep-seated fear of not being good enough.

People struggling with feelings of inferiority often believe that they are constantly being judged by others.

To counteract this perceived scrutiny, they may work tirelessly to excel in all areas and present an image of perfection. 

With that being said, this is a subtle sign and doesn’t necessarily mean someone feels inferior – it’s just one possible indication. It becomes more likely if this behavior is paired with other signs on this list.

2) Constant apologies

Have you ever noticed someone apologizing even when they don’t need to?

This constant need to say sorry even for the smallest mistake or inconvenience can be a subtle indication of inferiority complex.

People who secretly feel inferior have an enhanced sense of responsibility, often blaming themselves for things that go wrong.

They fear disapproval and believe that by apologizing, they can prevent others from being upset with them or thinking less of them.

For instance, let’s say you’ve planned to meet up with a friend, and they arrive a few minutes late.

Most people would brush it off as a minor delay, but if your friend profusely apologizes and seems genuinely distressed about the situation, it might suggest they feel inferior.

Again, like our first point, this behavior in isolation does not definitively point to feelings of inferiority.

However, if combined with other signs in this list, it could indicate an underlying struggle with self-worth.

3) Difficulty accepting compliments

Most people enjoy receiving compliments. It’s a lovely way to feel appreciated and valued.

But for some, compliments can create a sense of discomfort and unease rather than joy – and this is often a subtle sign of feeling inferior.

I remember a time when a friend complimented me on a presentation I had given at work.

Instead of thanking her and accepting the compliment, I immediately dismissed it, saying I could have done much better and pointing out all the flaws that I believed were present in my work.

My reaction didn’t stem from modesty or humbleness. Instead, it was a reflection of my own struggle with self-worth.

In my mind, I didn’t believe I was good enough, so when someone complimented me, it felt out of sync with my own perception and made me uncomfortable.

If you notice someone in your life consistently deflecting or downplaying compliments, it could be because they secretly feel inferior around you.

They may struggle to believe the positive things said about them because they don’t align with their own negative self-image.

4) Excessive humility

While humility is an admirable trait, excessive humility can be a mask for feelings of inferiority.

The truth is, people who feel inferior often undervalue their own accomplishments and tend to attribute their success to external factors rather than their own efforts or abilities.

Kind of like what I mentioned before with being unable to accept compliments. 

This behavior is closely linked to a psychological phenomenon known as the “impostor syndrome“.

This syndrome, first identified by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes in 1978, refers to high-achieving individuals who, despite their accomplishments, persistently fear being exposed as a “fraud”.

Put it this way, if someone in your life consistently credits their achievements to luck or the efforts of others, they might be struggling with feelings of inferiority.

They may downplay their own role in their success because they don’t believe they are deserving of it.

5) Avoidance of eye contact

Eye contact can be a powerful form of non-verbal communication. However, people who secretly feel inferior often struggle to maintain it.

Sadly, not being able to hold someone’s gaze might be a sign of feeling less than the other person.

I remember a time when I was at a social gathering, and I found myself unable to meet the eyes of the people I was conversing with.

It wasn’t that I was shy or nervous, but rather, I felt as though I was somehow lesser than them. Keeping eye contact felt like an admission of my supposed inadequacy.

Ultimately, this avoidance of eye contact is often a defense mechanism.

By avoiding someone’s gaze, individuals struggling with feelings of inferiority might believe they can hide their perceived inadequacies.

6) Overly sensitive to criticism

While no one enjoys being criticized, some people might take it more personally than others.

If someone in your life reacts strongly to even the smallest criticism, it might be because they secretly feel inferior around you.

People struggling with feelings of inferiority often perceive criticism as a confirmation of their own self-doubts.

Instead of viewing it as an opportunity for growth, they might see it as an attack on their worth.

For instance, if a colleague reacts defensively or becomes emotionally upset over constructive feedback, they might be dealing with feelings of inferiority.

To them, they see the critique as validation of their perceived inadequacies rather than a chance to improve. 

Understanding this behavior can help you offer criticism more gently and constructively, providing reassurance that the feedback is about their action or work, not their worth as a person.

7) Social withdrawal

Social withdrawal or isolation is another subtle sign of feeling inferior.

Individuals struggling with feelings of inferiority often believe they are less likable or less interesting than others, leading them to avoid social situations.

You’ll notice they tend to stay silent in group conversations or avoid social engagements altogether out of fear of being judged or feeling inadequate.

This can create a vicious cycle where their social isolation further fuels their feelings of inferiority.

In essence, their withdrawal might be an attempt to protect themselves from perceived judgment or rejection. 

8) Constant comparison with others

Finally, constant comparison with others can be a sign of feeling inferior.

People who struggle with feelings of inferiority often measure their self-worth against the achievements or qualities of others.

They might frequently make comments comparing themselves to others or show signs of envy when someone else achieves something.

And more often than not, they view others as better, smarter, or more successful, further reinforcing their own perceived inadequacies.

So, if someone has come to mind whilst reading these signs, there’s a good chance they feel inferior – not because you’ve done anything wrong, but rather due to their own insecurities. 

Hopefully, these signs will help you become more aware of what to look out for, so you can approach such people with kindness and patience.