Everyone has their insecurities — the key is to hold tight to your self-worth and realize that you’re not defined by your perceived flaws or imperfections. Sadly, some people are so riddled with self-doubt that it’s blatantly obvious in everything they say. Below are some of the most common things that come out of the mouths of self-conscious people.
1. “I’m so awkward.”
Self-conscious people often feel like they don’t fit in or handle social situations as smoothly as everyone else. As a result, they tend to label themselves as “awkward.” This label, while sometimes used in a jokey way, often reflects a deep-seated belief about their social abilities.
2. “Do I look weird in this?”
Being so self-conscious tends to lead to excessive worry about their appearance, per Psychology Today. As a result, phrases like this become common, as they feel desperate for validation and reassurance from other people that they look okay. It’s such a shame, especially since there’s nothing physically wrong with them!
3. “I hope I didn’t bother you.”
Self-conscious people are usually paranoid about inconveniencing or negatively affecting other people, so they often assume that their actions or even their meere presence is annoying or intrusive. They really don’t want to be a burden, and they’re usually not — but always checking to see if they are can be.
4. “Did that sound stupid?”
Self-conscious people often second-guess their contributions to a conversation. They worry that their comments might be seen as unintelligent or irrelevant, which leads them to ask such questions to gauge other people’s reactions. Of course, this has the unintended effect of derailing what could have otherwise been a pleasant and/or productive conversation…
5. “I’m sorry.”
While an apology is necessary when you’ve done something wrong, highly self-conscious people tend to over-apologize, even when they haven’t done anything or when a mess-up is clearly not they’re fault. They do this to avoid any potential conflict or negative feelings aimed at them. Sadly, people who aren’t so nice tend to take advantage of this and might make them the scapegoat.
6. “I don’t want to be a bother, but…”
They often preface their requests or needs with disclaimers like this to lessen the impact of their demands. They worry that their needs might impose on others, which is why they tend to be so hesitant and over-polite. If only they realized that there’s no shame in asking for what you need!
7. “What do you think?”
Self-conscious people always want to know everyone else’s opinions before they commit to a decision. This is because they doubt their own judgment and rely on external validation to guide their actions. If they backed themselves a bit more, they’d realize that they’re totally capable of making the right choices on their own.
8. “I probably shouldn’t have said that.”
They’re terrified of sayig the wrong thing, so they tend ot over-analyze their words post-conversation, worrying about how their comments were received. Half the time, the things they’re obsessing about aren’t even a big deal and didn’t stand out to the person they were talking to as odd or inappropriate or any way.
9. “You go first.”
This phrase is often used by self-conscious people to avoid being the center of attention. They prefer to let other people take the lead in pretty much every situation, from ordering food at a restaurant to presenting ideas in a meeting. This way, they avoid the responsibility of having to make choices that they worry might be the “wrong” ones.
10. “I wish I could be more like you.”
Comparing themselves to others is a common habit among self-conscious people. Saying things like this reflects their desire to possess qualities they admire in others, which always stems from a lack of self-esteem or self-worth. They should realize that they’re amazing just as they are.
11. “I knew I would mess that up.”
This self-deprecating phrase just confirms a negative self-fulfilling prophecy. Self-conscious people always expect to fail or make mistakes, which often leads to that outcome since they self-sabotage via their lack of self-confidence. It must be frustrating for them, but they’re stuck in a toxic cycle of their own making.
12. “I don’t really know much about it.”
Even if they know a lot about a particular topic, self-conscious people tend to downplay their expertise to avoid standing out or seeming arrogant. Instead, they belittle their own knowledge and experience and let others take the lead, even if they’re not as familiar with the subject.
13. “I just got lucky.”
Highly self-conscious people often attribute their accomplishments to luck rather than their abilities. Saying stuff like this showcases their struggle with imposter syndrome, per the American Psychological Association, and their difficulty accepting praise or recognizing their own achievements.
14. “Do you think they liked me?”
They tend to seek reassurance about their social interactions because they’re afraid of how it went. After meeting new people or attending social events, they might ask this question to alleviate their anxiety and confirm if they made a good impression. There’s no reason they wouldn’t have, but they don’t seem to realize that.
15. “I feel like everyone is watching me.”
Self-conscious people hate the feeling of being in the spotlight or being overly scrutinized, and they often imagine themselves to be in this position even when they’re really not. They often feel as though they are constantly being observed and judged, even in everyday situations. It’s no way to live.
16. “I don’t want to make a fool of myself.”
Fear of embarrassment is a common thread among self-conscious people. This phrase highlights their reluctance to participate in activities or situations where there’s a possibility of making mistakes or looking silly in front of others. If they could just be a bit braver, it would pay dividends!
