Seeking appreciation from others is totally normal. However, it is crucial to understand the boundary between wanting people to like you and going to extremes just to earn their recognition. Research suggests that social anxiety can significantly impact self-esteem, making individuals more susceptible to seeking external validation to compensate for their feelings of inadequacy [1].
Let's dive into the signs that you might be worrying too much about how others judge you.
1. YOU PRIORITIZE OTHERS OVER YOURSELF.
- You believe that satisfying others is far more crucial than acknowledging your own needs, which can lead to an imbalance in your emotional health.
- This behavior can actually lower your self-image, contributing to a decline in your self-esteem, as evidenced by studies showing that social anxiety can negatively affect one's self-worth [2].
- In reality, we can help others better when our own needs are fully met, as this fosters a healthier dynamic in our relationships.
2. YOU OVERTHINK YOUR WORDS.
- You may be hesitant to share your thoughts, keeping too much to yourself due to fear of judgment.
- Evaluating your ideas is certainly a beneficial practice before sharing them with others.
- However, it shouldn't reach a point where your silence leads others to doubt or misinterpret your character, which can be exacerbated by social anxiety [3].
3. YOU BECOME A SOCIAL CHAMELEON.
- You're constantly adapting to fit into the groups around you, regardless of the situation.
- This often leads to people misunderstanding your true identity, as the need to conform can obscure your authentic self.
- While it might seem harmless initially, it could create confusion about who you really are over time, further complicating your social interactions.
4. YOU FEEL GUILTY WHEN THINGS GO AWRY.
- Whenever something goes wrong, you often feel it's your fault, even if it has nothing to do with you, reflecting a heightened sense of responsibility.
- You care too much about disappointing others, which can hinder your ability to move on from setbacks.
- While taking responsibility is commendable, don't let others' failures weigh you down; instead, learn from them and keep pushing forward.
5. YOU STRIVE TO PLEASE EVERYONE.
- Trying to be liked by everyone isn't inherently negative; however, it's essential not to sacrifice your own authenticity in the process.
- Even the most renowned speakers can't please everybody, highlighting the futility of such efforts.
- Make sure to present yourself as you are and be ready to stand by your choices in every situation, as doing so fosters genuine connections.
6. YOU STRUGGLE TO ASK FOR HELP.
- You may feel the need to appear strong at all times, believing that asking for help signifies weakness.
- In reality, recognizing when to seek help shows strength and awareness of your limitations, allowing you to achieve more with a little assistance.
If you find yourself resonating with any of these signs, it's essential to take a step back and reflect. For personalized advice, you can easily connect through an online doctor consultation or even talk to a doctor online about your concerns. Our AI doctor is also available if you prefer to chat with a doctor at your convenience!
References:
- Ahmad Ayed, Moath Abu Ejheisheh, Ahmad Batran, Mohammed Albashtawy, Waed A Salameh, Alaa H Obeyat, Riham H Melhem, Iman O Shawawrha, Ali Batran. Relationship Between Social Anxiety and Self-esteem Among Undergraduate Nursing Students.. PubMed. 2024.
- Mohammedamin Hajure, Zakir Abdu. Social Phobia and Its Impact on Quality of Life Among Regular Undergraduate Students of Mettu University, Mettu, Ethiopia.. PubMed. 2020.
- Ciara Gill, Lindsey Watson, Charlotte Williams, Stella W Y Chan. Social anxiety and self-compassion in adolescents.. PubMed. 2018.
- Abbas Abdollahi, Mansor Abu Talib. Self-esteem, body-esteem, emotional intelligence, and social anxiety in a college sample: the moderating role of weight.. PubMed. 2016.
- Jessica Lyn Ciarma, Jaya Miriam Mathew. Social anxiety and disordered eating: The influence of stress reactivity and self-esteem.. PubMed. 2017.