An inferiority complex is defined by psychologists as negative feeling (usually of shame and anxiety) triggered in certain situations by viewing oneself as inferior to others in some way.
However, things are not that straightforward. We often repress that feeling or we misinterpret it, which is why recognizing a complex of inferiority is often not easy. The best way to know if you have such a complex or not is knowing the symptoms and detecting them sagely. Here are some of the key inferiority complex symptoms:
1. Social withdrawal. People who have a feeling of inferiority often remove themselves from the social scene and spend a lot of time alone. Sure, they make justify themselves through being very busy or not knowing any cool people, but very often, it's because social situations trigger their shame.
2. Shyness. When they eventually interact with new people, individuals with a feeling of inferiority tend to be shy. They don't talk very much and they keep to themselves, letting others do most of the talking. They are simply not comfortable with sharing themselves with others.
3. Hiding vulnerabilities. We all have flaws and vulnerabilities. People with an inferiority complex believe that exposing any flaw they may have is dangerous. When other people see them as they are, with the good and the bad, this often makes them feel uneasy, so they will hide their true selves.
4. Trying to impress. When a person feels inferior to others, they will often try to compensate is some way and to impress others. A person who is boasting all the time may seem confident at first, but boasting is often the sign of a feeling of inferiority lurking somewhere in that person's mind and heart.
Looking at one's behavior and noticing if any of these inferiority complex symptoms manifest themselves represents one of the best ways to detect such a complex. Then, one can do something about it.
About the Author:
Eduard coaches people who want to overcome an inferiority complex. Also check out his overcoming inferiority complex article on his people skills blog.
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