Having low self-worth and low self-esteem usually originates from traumatic childhood experiences such as abuse or neglect. If your parents often criticized you as a child, it probably left you with very low-self esteem, not believing in yourself, always doubting yourself, and questioning if you deserve what you have.

Can low self esteem ruin a relationship?

Research shows that self-esteem can influence your relationship satisfaction just as much as it affects your partners. Plus, low self-esteem can distort your perception of your partner, according to research in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.

What is low self esteem in relationships?

Low self-esteem means you are more likely to ignore your core needs in a relationship. For example, you may stay with your partner, despite their lack of affection for you. Or, you may tolerate your friends bad temper, and blame yourself for their reactions.

What triggers low self esteem?

Some of the many causes of low self-esteem may include: Unhappy childhood where parents (or other significant people such as teachers) were extremely critical. Poor academic performance in school resulting in a lack of confidence. Ongoing stressful life event such as relationship breakdown or financial trouble.