It seems more like an excuse to me. People seem to use this as a crutch or as and excuse to keep them in various modes of depression without having to make the difficult, mature decisions it takes to survive in this tough world. What do you think?
2007-11-26 16:04:16 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Psychology
what i mean is that when many people have a problem, instead of dealing with it in a mature, responsible way, they blame it on having a low self esteem, rather than on their own inability to make reasonable decisions. My point is that making good decisions has nothing at all to do with the way you feel about yourself. You can't make bad decisions and then blame it on low self esteem. You are in control of your life and decisions, not some "condition" like low self esteem.
2007-11-26 16:12:09 · update #1
I see where you are coming from in part. I think some people do use low self esteem as an excuse but also believe that low self esteem and good self esteem are defining points in coping with life. eg. someone with low self esteem will let themselves be bullied instead of fighting back because they are not in touch with their own power. Therein lies the need for the journey of self discovery and emotional maturity/development.
People with low self esteem only need to understand what factors have made them think the way they think and to understand that the power to change and have good self esteem is within all of us. Having low self esteem is real but it is a choice to stay with it or rise above. Just my opinion on the subject - thanks for the question.
2007-11-26 16:20:47 · answer #1 · answered by flip 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I do not agree that people use self esteem as an excuse to avoid decision making and survival in the world. There are too many issues that play into self esteem: socioeconomics, cognitive functioning, chemistry in the brain, upbringing, education, etc... What would someone gain by just saying they have low self-esteem and can't handle life and using that as a crutch. It doesn't really get them anywhere. In fact, it just makes a tough world tougher. I think people need encouragement and help in building up their confidence in themselves so they can make mature decisions. Self esteem issues start in early childhood/youth. If it is not corrected by early 20s, then it can be a real problem that inhibits their lifestyle and functioning. Very interesting question. I can't wait to read other responses! have a good night!
2007-11-26 16:18:54 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I disagree. Sometimes people really do have self-esteem issues, and not everyone uses them as a crutch. I know that I am not the most confident person in the world, hence me being ONLINE talking, versus out talking face to face with people. But I don't ever use it as an excuse. Sometimes I see it as the opposite of a crutch. A....Disability on my part. It's not like people want to have low self-esteem.
But I see where you are coming from. Sometimes the fakers use self esteem as an excuse, and they make the rest of us look whiney. :/
2007-11-26 16:08:43 · answer #3 · answered by Mkay M 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Some people use it too much and others truly do truly have self esteem issues-just depends on the person as with most things. But, just because you have low self esteem or none at all doesnt mean you shouldnt or couldnt rise above!
2007-11-26 16:09:08 · answer #4 · answered by erica r 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Agree somewhat. However, I think it's important to know the difference between a good self-esteem and an overinflated sense of importance.. Besides, it's been proven that even if a person has outwardly apparent high self-esteem, they can still make bad choices and sometimes be too delusional or arrogant to admit it. Sometimes conceit is masking poor self-esteem.
It all comes down to personal choice, not what one's alleged self-concept is.
2007-11-26 16:17:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think you mean absence of self esteem, but I get your point. I view it more as a symptom rather than a sickness. In other words, low self esteem is caused by a lack of accomplishment, as opposed to a lack of accomplishment being caused by low self esteem.
But I understand that some people are perfectionists and are too hard on themselves regardless of their achievements. In this case, the person would have legitimate "self-esteem" problems.
2007-11-26 16:12:19 · answer #6 · answered by luv2bfit 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I agree. There are many ways people keep themselves in ruts and using low self-esteem as an excuse is one of them.
I feel that some things in life are hard, but in order to get anywhere you have to face those hard things and push past them. However, there are many people who don't seem to be strong enough to do that. Usually by choice.
2007-11-26 16:08:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it depends on what you think "self esteem" -MEANS. REAL self-esteem ISN'T easily shaken... It means believing in YOURSELF first- and NOT allowing yourself to be overcome by negative influences... If you can't handle an Insult or a Criticism in the FIRST place, lacking "self-esteem" is the LEAST of your problems...
2007-11-26 16:19:41 · answer #8 · answered by Joseph, II 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have to disagree. Depression and self esteem are totally different things, we feel depressed but we never feel "self esteem". When we feel depressed our self esteem-the way we perceive our selves and think and believe we are on the paradigm of our society- decreases. The skills we gain from our experiences, good or bad, help us perceive ourselves on a higher rank on the paradigm, which increases our self esteem. Just a thought!
2007-11-26 16:18:37 · answer #9 · answered by summer 08 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
What? Self Esteem is how someone feels about them selfs Right.
People feel poorly about them selfs,
I have felt like that before.... but now i like the way i am :)
Your saying depression, bulimia, anorexia, all fake?
2007-11-26 16:07:50 · answer #10 · answered by Ryan A 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋