It's easy to notice someone with low self-esteem when you have it yourself.
A person with low self-esteem can self-doubt their abilities and can live with guilt for underachieving on so many levels. They may also not put much value on themselves, and instead of focusing on the positives, may only see their flaws and weaknesses.
As a child, we may have difficulties in asserting ourselves and when we do, others may have the upper hand. We may retreat emotionally to avoid any challenges. That retreat will be familiar, comforting and safe.
But it's easy to carry another person's guilt and live with anxiety and stress. These are all the components of someone who is struggling with their own identity, brought about through low-self esteem. It can be changed.
You just described me to a tee. You know we deal with things well as a child, it's when we get older and are able to understand things better that we can't handle them well. Kids seem to act out more and adults hide their feelings better, keep then bottled up. That's not good and I agree with you that we should confront our feelings and the people who cause them. Good posts Ilana. You're doing great!
Lisa you are absolutely right. It's always better to deal with and confront our feelings as adults. Bottling things up will only add to the discontentment we already feel and can make us ill in the longer term.