You know you're dealing with a low self-esteem individual when it's not that their stuff is great, it's that yours is terrible.
It's not that "I play in a really competitive fantasy league"...it's "your league is terrible, must be full of idiots"
It's not that "My coffee is really good, here's how I make it"...it's "your coffee isn't even real, it's garbage"
Classic.
People may cope with low self-esteem in different ways. According to the Counseling and Mental Health Center at The University of Texas at Austin, low self-esteem often presents in one of three patterns:
- Imposter Syndrome: A person uses accomplishments or false confidence to mask their insecurities. They fear failure will reveal their true, flawed self. The person may use perfectionism or procrastination to deal with this anxiety.
- Rebellion: A person pretends they don't care what others think of them. Their feelings of inferiority may manifest as anger or blame. They may act out by defying authority or breaking laws.
- Victimhood: A person believes they are helpless in the face of challenges. They may use self-pity to avoid changing their situation. They often rely on others to save or guide them.
Look familiar?!?!