Men Share Insecurities That You Never Even Realized They Had
While women's insecurities are frequently discussed in the media and are often the basis for television shows and films—I mean, how many movies feature the ugly girl turning into a hot one?—men's insecurities are often less visible.
These men took to Reddit to share some of their biggest insecurities.
Hair Can Be Important For Confidence
"I hate that I'm losing my hair before 30. Baldness does not agree with me."
I totally get it: it sucks to lose something that's part of your appearance that you have no control over.
FYI, We Love Our Short Kings
"My height would be my most visible insecurity. I'm only 5’6"–5’7” and I think about it every day before I leave the house, and it's on my mind whenever I’m around others."
Men Also Face Body Image Issues
"My body. I've been a chunky kid since 5th grade or so. A couple of years ago, I hit my greatest —272 lbs—but managed to turn it around and lose 78 pounds—I'm now 194 lbs. I'm still not where I want to be. I think even if I was at the weight I wanted to be, I'd still be insecure about how I looked naked."
What If I Never Date Anyone?
"The fact that I've never had a girlfriend and I'm 23 going on 24. Growing up, my dad always told me that the time would come, but sometimes I think that it's just never going to arrive."
She Probably Thinks He Doesn't Notice
"When I see my wife check out other men in front of me. I can fully accept she will find other people attractive in life and I'm fine with that, but on the odd occasion when we’re out and we’re talking, I see her eyes track someone and I look to see what’s interesting and it’s another guy."
Weight Is So Hard To Manage
"I'm a really skinny dude, and people act like I don't already know that. You wouldn't go up to someone overweight and call them fat, so why is the opposite acceptable to constantly do?"
I'm Sure His Smile Is Still Lovely
"As a kid and an adult, I never could afford something non-essential like braces, so I've always had this complex about my teeth being less than perfect. I smile closed mouth. I can be hard to understand sometimes because by habit I talk with my mouth trying to hide my teeth."
Always Trying To Catch Up
"I get insecure when comparing myself to other guys my age. Most have moved out of their parents' houses and some have kids. I'm getting there, but I feel like I am so far behind."
I Don't Want To Hear About Your Exes!
"I get so insecure when the girl I'm dating starts talking to me about her exes. It's especially bad when she lets me know that still keeps in touch with some of them."
It's Stifling To Feel Like Your Can't Talk
"My high voice: I'm 19 years old, but it sounds like I never went through puberty. Phone calls are exceptionally awkward. I learned to deepen my voice, but it had gotten to a phase where I'd only use hand gestures to answer basic questions."
Dating Apps Are The Worst
"Constantly swiping right on apps never getting a match."
Dating apps in general can be a huge hit to your self-esteem. Not getting matches can make anyone feel unattractive and insecure.
It's Hard Not To Feel Bad In Comparison
"My weight in comparison to my girlfriend. She's a fitness instructor, while I work a desk job. I’m not huge or anything but for example, we went to Mexico and took pictures on the beach: she looks like a VS model and I look like I like pasta."
There's Such Thing As "Too Tall"
"My height (6'8") combined with my introverted self and very skinny body. I don't like standing out in crowds and my height makes that inescapable. I don't fit in many things (car seats, plane seats, etc). Through much of my life, I felt more of an oddity or circus attraction rather than a person."
Not Your Stereotypical Man
"My lack of 'manly' traits. I don't enjoy sports, drink, own any guns, or enjoy hookup culture. There is nothing wrong with liking those things in the slightest, but in my small town it makes me feel isolated from other male friends."
No One Likes Feeling Laughed At
"A group of women laughing loudly when I happen to be walking by always makes me insecure."
Honestly, even as a woman, I get insecure when a group of women (or anyone, really) laughs loudly when I'm nearby.
It Can Be Hard Feeling Unloveable
"My mental illness. It makes it very difficult for partners to care about me for the long term. It has a tendency to cause me to push people away, especially when I need their support the most."
It's Not All About Money, But It Can Feel Like It Is
"My income. I feel so darn obligated to earn a wage and support myself and my fiancée and it makes me so insecure. I'm always nervous about the mortgage, paying bills, and providing for our household."
Talking Really Is Hard
"I don't really know how to talk to and interact with women in a way that makes them want to be more than friends with me. At 37, I still haven't figured this out and it's pretty terrifying thinking that I'll be alone for the rest of my life."
So You Don't Believe In Me?
"I hate feeling that someone I love doesn't believe I can do something. If I care about someone and they shoot my ideas and inspirations out of the sky, I plummet. My ex-girlfriend made me feel that I could accomplish anything that I wanted, and I can't believe I chose to walk away from that."
Looking Away For Eternity Now...
"A woman at a bar seven years ago called me creepy because I maintained eye contact during a conversation. I got so insecure about it that I no longer maintain eye contact with anyone for longer than three seconds. It actually made my current girlfriend insecure because she thought I never wanted to look at her."
