Recognizing how others perceive us isn’t always easy. Sometimes people might have a low opinion of you, and you’re none the wiser.
This is where psychology comes in handy.
Psychology provides us the tools to read between the lines, to see beyond the surface level interactions. By understanding certain behaviors, we can identify subtle signs that someone may not think highly of us.
In this article, we’re going to delve into 8 subtle signs someone has a low opinion of you.
Let’s get started.
1) They rarely make eye contact
Eye contact is one of the fundamentals of human communication.
When someone consistently avoids looking at you, it could be a sign they have a low opinion of you. This isn’t just speculation, but a psychological perspective.
According to psychology, eye contact is a form of non-verbal communication that shows respect and interest. When someone avoids your gaze, it can signal a lack of interest or respect, or even discomfort.
But remember, this isn’t always the case. Some people may avoid eye contact due to shyness or anxiety. So don’t jump to conclusions based on this point alone.
However, if this behavior is consistent and combined with other signs from our list, it might indicate that someone doesn’t think highly of you.
And knowing this could be your first step towards improving your relationships.
2) They constantly interrupt you
You know, this one really hits home for me.
There was a time when I was in a group, and there was this one person who constantly interrupted me every time I spoke. At first, I thought it was just their way of engaging in the conversation. But then, I noticed they didn’t do it to anyone else.
According to psychology, constant interruption can be a sign of disrespect. It’s as if the person interrupting believes their thoughts are more important than yours.
If you find yourself being frequently cut off by someone, it may not be because they’re just excited to talk. It could be a subtle sign that they have a low opinion of you.
Everyone deserves to be heard and respected. Don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise.
3) They rarely include you in plans
In social psychology, there’s a concept known as “ingroup” and “outgroup”. The ingroup includes people we identify with and feel a sense of belonging to, while the outgroup refers to those we don’t feel connected to.
If you consistently find yourself not being included in plans or activities by a particular person or group, this could indicate that they see you as part of their outgroup. They might have a low opinion of you and hence, choose not to involve you in their plans.
While it can be hurtful to be left out, remember that everyone has a right to choose their company. It’s always better to surround yourself with those who appreciate and value your presence.
4) They don’t value your opinion
Have you ever shared an opinion or idea, only to have it brushed aside or ignored? It’s a pretty disheartening feeling.
According to psychology, when someone consistently disregards your opinions, it could be an indication that they have a low opinion of you. They might not value your perspective or see it as important.
This disregard can be subtle. They may swiftly change the topic or never implement your suggestions. If this is a recurring behavior, it’s likely a sign they don’t hold your opinions in high regard.
Your voice matters. Don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise.
5) They belittle your achievements
We all crave acknowledgment and validation for our accomplishments. It’s what encourages us to aim higher and keep pushing forward.
However, if someone consistently downplays or dismisses your achievements, it can feel like a punch to the gut.
Psychology tells us that this sort of behavior often stems from a place of insecurity or jealousy. But it could also be that they simply have a low opinion of you. They might not think your accomplishments are significant, or they might feel that acknowledging them would elevate your status above theirs.
While it’s painful to have your achievements belittled, remember that your worth is not defined by others’ recognition. Your achievements are yours to celebrate, no matter how big or small.
6) They’re dismissive of your feelings
I remember a time when I was going through a really rough patch. I opened up to someone I thought cared about me, only for them to dismiss my feelings as if they were insignificant.
Psychology tells us that empathy is a vital component of healthy relationships. When someone is dismissive of your feelings or emotions, it could be a sign that they don’t value or respect you enough to validate your experiences.
If you find that someone is consistently dismissive or unsupportive when you express your feelings, it may indicate they have a low opinion of you.
It’s important to surround yourself with people who respect your feelings and provide the emotional support you need. Your feelings are valid, and you deserve to be heard.
7) They don’t remember important details about you
Everybody forgets things from time to time. But if someone consistently forgets important details about you, it could be a sign they don’t value your relationship as much as you do.
From a psychological perspective, when we care about someone, we tend to remember details about them, like their birthday, their favorite food, or even stories they’ve shared with us.
If someone repeatedly forgets these details, it might indicate that they don’t deem you or your relationship significant enough to remember. This could be a subtle sign that they have a low opinion of you.
Everyone makes mistakes and forgets things sometimes. Don’t jump to conclusions based on this point alone.
8) They often criticize you
Criticism, when constructive, can be a valuable tool for personal growth. However, if someone is constantly criticizing you, especially without providing any constructive feedback, it may be a sign they have a low opinion of you.
Psychology tells us that constant criticism can be a way for people to assert dominance or superiority. If someone is always finding fault with what you do, it might be their way of putting you down to feel better about themselves.
Everyone deserves respect and kindness. Don’t let anyone’s unjust criticism diminish your self-worth.
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