There’s no doubt about it: we’re all insecure on some level. Maybe a little, maybe a lot. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, but it is something to be recognized. Because if it goes on ignored, it can produce a lot of behaviors that range from off-putting to downright cruel.
Reddit user JackHoffmanTheWise was wondering about this when he posted to r/AskReddit:
What screams “I’m very insecure”?
byu/JackHoffmanTheWise inAskReddit
The range of answers was really interesting, with a few basic types of people coming up repeatedly.
1. There are the Humble Braggers.
Constantly wedging “humble bragging” into conversations.
– zazzlekdazzle
2. Those who assume the worst.
Automatically assuming negative intent.
eg:
You friend didn’t pick your call?
“Fuck her, she’s trying to avoid me. I don’t care about her anyway.”
– Shurasena
3. The Power Trippers.
I mostly see this at work.
– People who are in upper management and treat people like garbage just because they can.
– Being unnecessarily mean, rude or bitter to people.
– Treating new employees like garbage just because you’re threatened they might take your job some day.
– YourBoyRocket
4. The Fishers.
Constant fishing for compliments when around people (eg, “I’m so chunky” as a direct way to get someone to tell you that you look great).
– kukukele
5. The Steamrollers.
Trying to dominate conversations (not to be confused with just being a charismatic person).
– SpiritGas
6. The Compensators.
a huge lifted truck without any discernible work purpose being extremely aggressive in traffic.
– puffmonkey92
7. The Conspiracy Theorists.
When you question yourself “do they actually like me or are they pretending to?” or when you think you’re gonna bother other people if you talk to them
– Degobbi
8. The One Uppers.
People who always have to one up you in everything if you tell a story they have a better one, if you buy something expensive they have to be something even more expensive. Some people’s whole life is trying to win some non existent competition
– MAXSELLSEY
9. The Entitled.
bragging about things not even in your control, like your parents’ wealth.
– Hrekires
10. The Bucket Crabs.
People whose self-esteem is so low that they can’t stand the sight of people with high self-esteem, so they will try to break down anyone they perceive as more successful than them. When a group of this type of people comes together, a major crab bucket mentality arises and they will target people perceived as highly competent or successful for bullying, gossip, false rumors, and other things that should have been wiped out after elementary school.
– n0de_0f_ranv1er
11. The Rude.
often times, people don’t know the difference between “telling it like it is” and just being flat out mean. people who tell it like it is only give their opinion when it is warranted because they would want someone to tell them the truth instead of dancing around it. however, some can cross this line and just be straight up rude, while using this same reasoning.
– real-crackheadhours
12. The Fearful.
Using your internal fear as a reason not to do something.
Hate your job? You don’t apply for any others because you’re scared of being rejected, or that you don’t deserve a better job.
In a terrible relationship? You stay because you’re scared of being alone.
That kind of insecurity is the worst imo because it affects nearly everyone.
– 10GivingTrees
13. The Bullies.
Insulting random people’s physical appearance.
– TheSealySeal
14. The Prideful.
Immediately getting defensive whenever you try to help them.
– DRW0813
15. The…Me.
Clicking on this post, to see if any of the top comments are things you do.
– ThatsMyCow
Any of these hitting a little too close to home? Don’t let it get to you too much. Next time you find yourself doing one of these things, just stop, take stock, ask yourself why, and adjust. Change is gradual. You got this!
How do you think insecurity makes you act?
Tell us about it in the comments.