If someone rolls their eyes at you, they might be dismissing you. If someone interrupts you constantly, they might not respect your opinions.
Welcome to the world of human interactions.
But it’s not always that simple.
Sometimes, people mask their true feelings behind polite smiles and insincere compliments. Understandably, it can be challenging to decipher these hidden messages.
Yet, some signs are more telling than others. And I’m here to share these subtle signs.
This is not about paranoia or self-doubt. It’s about understanding others better and navigating relationships more effectively.
Let’s dive in, shall we?
1) They rarely give you their full attention
Think about it.
You’re in the middle of a conversation, sharing your thoughts, and the other person is busy scrolling through their phone. Annoying, isn’t it?
That’s more than just bad manners. It’s a clear sign they might not value what you have to say.
Their lack of attention is a non-verbal cue that your words, ideas, or feelings don’t hold much weight in their eyes.
It’s subtle, often masked behind the pretense of multitasking, but it’s there.
And if you spot this behaviour consistently, chances are, they might have a low opinion of you.
Genuine interest and respect are shown through full attention. If that’s missing, well, you know what that might mean.
2) They’re quick to criticize, slow to praise
Here’s a personal story.
A few years back, I had a colleague, let’s call him John. Now, John was a smart guy, no doubt about it. But he had this knack for pointing out every little mistake I made.
Whether it was a typo in an email or a minor slip-up during a presentation, he’d be the first one to bring it up.
On the other hand, whenever I did something worth applauding, something that others would praise, John would either stay quiet or just give a half-hearted nod.
It was as if my achievements were invisible to him.
That’s when I realized that this is one of those subtle signs.
If someone is always quick to critique but seldomly offers commendation, they possibly don’t hold you in high regard.
It’s not about being overly sensitive. It’s about recognizing patterns and understanding their implications.
3) They don’t include you in their future plans
Imagine a group of friends discussing a weekend getaway or a colleague planning a project and you’re left out of the conversation. It feels awful, doesn’t it?
Exclusion from future plans is a telltale sign that someone might not think highly of you.
It could be because they don’t value your input or simply because they don’t see you as part of their future.
Our brains are remarkably good at predicting who will be in our lives in the future.
We subconsciously choose to include people in our plans based on how important they are to us.
If you’re consistently left out, it might not be a coincidence but an indication of their low opinion of you.
4) They subtly put you down
Ever been around someone who has a mild, almost invisible way of putting you down?
They may use humor or sarcasm and then brush it off as a “joke” when confronted.
These small, veiled insults can be more damaging than outright criticism. They’re designed to undermine your confidence and make you feel less capable or significant.
These individuals might not even realize they’re doing it. It could be a subconscious behavior stemming from their low opinion of you.
Respect is fundamental in any relationship, and anyone who consistently belittles you – even subtly – might not respect you as much as you deserve.
5) They don’t value your time
I’ve learned this the hard way. If someone repeatedly cancels plans at the last minute, shows up late, or leaves you waiting, it’s a sign they might not value your time.
I used to have a friend who would constantly make plans and then cancel them just hours before we were supposed to meet.
At first, I brushed it off as bad luck or poor planning. But over time, I realized it was a pattern.
It was as if my time and my plans didn’t matter as much as hers.
And that’s when I understood: this wasn’t about being disorganized; it was about a lack of respect and consideration for me and my time.
If you’re always left waiting or rescheduling, it might be because someone holds a low opinion of you.
After all, respecting someone’s time is a clear sign of respect for the person themselves.
6) They’re overly polite with you
Now, this might seem a bit unexpected, but hear me out.
Politeness is generally a positive trait, right?
But when it’s excessive and doesn’t match the level of intimacy in your relationship, it might be a sign that someone doesn’t think highly of you.
If someone is always formal and careful around you, as if they’re walking on eggshells, it could mean they don’t see you as an equal or close companion.
They might be keeping you at arm’s length, maintaining a safe distance.
While politeness is usually a good thing, when it’s overdone, it can sometimes be a red flag signaling a low opinion of you.
7) They don’t confide in you
Sharing personal thoughts and experiences is a cornerstone of any strong relationship, whether it’s friendship or love.
If someone doesn’t open up to you or share their concerns, it might be a sign they don’t trust your judgment or value your opinion.
It’s not about being a gossip or knowing everyone’s business, but about being a trusted confidante.
When someone sees you as such, they’ll naturally share more about their life and feelings with you.
But if they’re always guarded or evasive, it could be because they have a low opinion of you.
They might not see you as someone who can offer valuable advice or emotional support.
So, pay attention to the level of openness in your interactions. It can tell you a lot about how someone perceives you.
8) They don’t defend you
This is arguably one of the most revealing signs. If someone doesn’t stand up for you in your absence, it’s a clear indication they might not hold you in high regard.
When we value someone, we naturally want to protect their reputation and defend them against unfair criticism.
If someone doesn’t do this for you, it could be because they agree with the negative comments or simply don’t care enough to intervene.
This lack of defense can be hurtful and damaging. But it’s also a clear sign that the person might have a low opinion of you.
In conclusion, remember: actions speak louder than words.
Pay attention to these signs and trust your gut feelings. You deserve respect and consideration from those around you. Don’t settle for less.
Recognizing the signs and moving forward
As we’ve explored these signs, it’s important to remember that everyone has off days and moments of unintentional disrespect.
But if you’re consistently sensing these signals from someone, it’s worth reflecting on the state of the relationship.
Understanding and recognizing these signs doesn’t mean you should confront the person or sever ties immediately.
Instead, use this as an opportunity to better understand your relationships and where you stand.
It’s not about changing who you are to fit someone else’s opinion.
You’re not obliged to prove your worth to anyone. Your value doesn’t decrease based on someone’s inability to see your worth.
The renowned psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn and change.”
Let this knowledge be a catalyst for change, growth, and self-improvement.
Reading these signs is not about dwelling on negativity but about empowering yourself with information to navigate relationships more effectively.
It’s about learning, growing, and ensuring you surround yourself with people who respect and value you for who you are.
