How to Build Your Self-Esteem
Are you looking for ways on how to build your self-esteem to boost your chances in dating? Fret not. We've got you covered.
Once in a while, we meet someone who makes our heart pound, someone who makes us feel different but in a very good way. They might be the guy you keep bumping into the local coffee shop every morning, or the girl from the marketing department you who always waves hi to you. You like them, yet it seems like you can't find enough courage to start a conversation.
The most common reason why people are too afraid to make a move is that they have low self-esteem. This does not only affect how you view yourself but also how you interact and build a relationship with other people.
Easier said than done, right? Well, not really. We do understand that you might be afraid of how they'll respond. But know that you have nothing to lose and everything to gain once you try. Time flies and things change. You will never know when this guy stops showing up at that coffee shop, or when that girl stops waving at you, so better grab the chance and talk to them.
How? There is quite a lot to learn about starting conversations and being sociable. But for now, we'll stick to the necessary foundation of what makes people's dating lives and relationships successful, and that is confidence.
Lucky for you, confidence can be learned, and we have everything you need to know!
Causes of Low Self-Esteem
People are not born with self-esteem, nor are they born without it. Confidence is a skill. It is not innate to us, and it's something we can master. That means that efforts can be made to improve it.
If you struggle to make the first move or make relationships last, there may be some events in the past that have caused you to lose your self-confidence.
You may ask, why is confidence such a big deal? Well, you see, confidence plays a vital role in making relationships work. People who are confident in themselves and as well as on their partners are usually the ones who have healthy romantic relationships.
So, if you're the type of person who is too afraid to strike a conversation, or is having a hard time keeping a healthy relationship, you might want to search your heart and assess where this is coming from.
We have also come up with a shortlist of possible causes of low esteem:
#1 Negative Thought Patterns
Our confidence also lies in how we look at things. Negative thought patterns are usually the reason why people have trouble seeing their actual value. If you focus too much on the negative things, it is difficult for you to appreciate what you are and what you have.
#2 Body Image
The existence of body standards for both genders leads to increased self-consciousness about appearance. Many people feel pressured to conform to these norms, believing they aren't thin or masculine enough to be considered attractive, resulting in confidence issues.
#3 Meet New People
Online dating platforms can be immensely helpful if building connections, flirting, and even dating are out of your comfort zone, especially due to low self-esteem. They allow you to meet new people and make new friendships in the comfort of your own home. These platforms provide a convenient way to meet new people and form friendships from the comfort of your own home.
Engaging in this process can significantly boost your confidence and improve your self-perception. Why not explore chat sites like LuckyCrush, which offers fun video features for meeting people online? Alternatively, dating sites like dating.com, designed for fostering friendships and serious relationships, can be a great option.
#4 Previous Relationship and Bad Breakups
Not all relationships are perfect. You may be one of the many who have experienced physical or verbal abuse (or both). Or maybe you have been continuously shut down by your exes. These unhealthy relationships may have had affected how you talk and behave, which dramatically affects how you look at yourself and how you act towards other people.
Bad breakups can also affect your self-esteem. Breakups usually sum up a relationship, and it's what usually leaves a mark in peoples hearts. Good breakups are rare and bad breakups are the worst. It is often when all the hidden hurts and hatred are said. Words we hear on these heated arguments may scar people's confidence. It makes them wonder if the same fate awaits them on their next relationship, thus adding insecurity and doubt to your relationship capabilities. The same goes for those who don't get the right closure.
There is an end to these causes of low self-esteem. Continue reading and grab a free copy of this unique texting guide for men.
What Happens When You Have Low Self-Esteem
If you really think about it, you will realize that a lot of unwanted behaviors in either dating or courting stem from a person's lack of confidence. Listed below are some of the common things that happen when you have low self-esteem:
#1 You have trouble communicating
Being unable to start a conversation is a clear manifestation of a person's lack of self-esteem. Confident people aren't afraid to speak out their mind and communicate with anyone.
#2 You become toxic and possessive.
When you engage in a relationship without dealing with your insecurities first, you will most likely channel your insecurities to your partner. As a result, you become toxic in a way that you affect your partner with your negativity. Trust will be hard to develop because most of the time, insecure people feel like they are not worthy of love and don't see why someone would love them as they are. This also is the reason why there are possessive people who tie their partners down for themselves, fearing that they'll lose them to someone else.
#3 You are over sensitive
Whenever comments are made against you, or jokes are somehow related to you, you get easily offended and hurt. Being overly sensitive is unhealthy for any kind of relationship. It causes unnecessary fights and hurts between the parties involved.
Tips on How to Build Your Self-Esteem
If you want to be more effective in dating or in keeping relationships, you have to start building your confidence. That's why we have listed these effective ways to help you be a better version of yourself.
#1 Take care of yourself
Meditate, exercise, or find a hobby. Try to engage in activities that will help you get physically, mentally, and emotionally balanced. Have empathy for yourself. Take time to search and know the things that make you happy, because, above anyone else, you are the one who should know yourself better.
#2 Believe that you're enough
Stop striving to be perfect and start believing that you are enough. Aim for excellence instead of perfection. And if you don't do as you expect, remember that there's always the next time. Do not be too hard on yourself when you fail, but keep on improving yourself and do better when the next opportunity comes.
#3 Stop comparing
One of the reasons why people are insecure about themselves is because they compare. There will always be somebody better than you, so there is no point in comparing yourself with other people all the time. Maximize your strengths and celebrate other people's uniqueness. You will never be satisfied with yourself if you compare yourself with others.
#4 See yourself as an individual
As an individual, we are unique and have our differences. Do not let other people dictate who you should be. Discover your passion, find what you genuinely enjoy and want and be yourself. As long as you are not stepping on other people, you are good.
#5 Accept Compliments
Even when you think that the compliments people are giving you are flattery, believe it. There's no harm in appreciating yourself. Sometimes, we only see our flaws, and we need other people to show us what we're worth. But always to do a heart check, and keep those compliments close to your heart (not head), and your feet on the ground.
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#6 Change your mindset
Change your mindset from negative to positive to help you build your self-esteem. Your perception has a huge impact on your confidence level. One's quality of thinking determines a person's future, whether it will be dark and miserable or bright and successful. Choose to have a winning mindset, it will keep your head high when the odds are not in your favor. A positive person does not easily back down when facing difficult situations, instead, he/she finds a way to make light of the problem and get through it.
#7 Focus on what you have achieved
Celebrate your victories, both big and small. It will remind you of your worth and your strengths. Instead of sulking over your failures, appreciate your successes. Look how far you have come and how much better you are now than yourself five or ten years ago. Think about the people you inspired and helped in your little ways. When you focus on your accomplishments, you will be inspired to do more and become better.
Bonus Tips
Now, if you're looking for quick tips that could help you gain confidence in a second, you might want to read for more!
1. Smile More
Nothing screams "confident" than wearing a smile on your face. Smiles assures people that you know what you are doing and that you are secured about yourself. Everyone loves a person who smiles.
2. Have a good posture
Straighten up! If you want an instant confidence booster, then void slouching when you sit or when you stand. This simple posture correction has a big effect on how you feel about yourself.
3. Watch your hygiene
Keep yourself clean. Shower regularly and don't skip your dentist appointment. Doing these little things for yourself will not only help you feel good about yourself, but this will also attract more people to actually be with you. Find a scent you like, and wear it every time you go out for work.
The Difference Between a Confident Person and a Person with Low Self-Esteem
Confident people are not afraid of the future. They compose themselves properly and makes a good impression towards others. Thus, people who are confident have healthier relationships and are more capable of making friends with people even of different social classes. The graphic below contains a clearer comparison of those who are confident versus those who are not.
Conclusion
It's amazing how self-esteem can help you with gajillion things, especially in love and relationships. Trusting and believing in yourself can be difficult. The process takes a lot of time and patience, but when you finally learn it, you'll realize that it was worth it.
Right now, you might still have self-doubts, but that's okay. In fact, that's normal just don't look down on yourself. Stay strong and keep motivated through your ups and downs. You are amazing, and start seeing that!
Founder of Dating Scout and Author of the book "Online Dating for Dummies"