Characteristics of Unhealthy Self-Esteem
Debilitating. That is a powerful and scary word, but it is a fact of life for scores of people who suffer from low, unhealthy self-esteem. It is amazing how many people still joke about self-esteem as if it were a word made up to explain away a hangnail. Unhealthy self-esteem has ramifications that reach into your career, your relationships, your behaviors, and your psychological well-being.
Your personal attitude is as visible as the clothes you wear. People see the attitude that you wear and they treat you accordingly. People with positive attitudes and an upbeat way of thinking are greeted with positive feedback. People who have negative viewpoints and constantly act downtrodden are treated as such. Your attitude is a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Self-esteem is not a panacea for world peace and total bliss, but it definitely has its benefits. This list includes some of the negative behaviors and attitudes associated with unhealthy, poor self-esteem. You decide if these attitudes or behavior have ever crippled you in some way or if you recognize these characteristics in yourself or other people.
Generally speaking, people with self-esteem issues may have a tendency to:
Act immature and have poor interpersonal skills.
Participate in self-destructive behaviors.
Become angry and lose their tempers quickly.
Sacrifice their identity for the sake of “fitting in.”
Dodge reality and unpleasant situations.
Enjoy the demise or humiliation of others.
Criticize themselves and others frequently.
Act superior and brag incessantly.
Overreact when criticized in any manner.
Engage in self-sabotage.
This list may be just the entrance to the mine. Deeper and darker characteristics appear in countless people who leave their esteem unattended.
