Some people seem to find pleasure in making others feel two inches tall.
Source: Unsplash
It doesn’t matter how kind you are to them, or how encouraging — they want to reduce you to feeling as small as possible. However, being awful isn’t their only personality trait. They likely have these qualities, as well.
1. They’re incredibly insecure.
Source: Unsplash People who constantly put other people people down are often masking their own deep-seated insecurities. They may be afraid of being seen as weak or incompetent, so they project those fears onto other people. By making you feel small, they temporarily boost their own ego.
2. They have low self-esteem.
Source: Unsplash Individuals with low self-esteem often struggle to see the good in themselves. This can lead to a tendency to criticise and belittle people as a way to feel better about themselves. They may put you down to make themselves feel superior, even if it’s only for a moment.
3. They’re jealous of people.
Source: Unsplash Jealousy can be a powerful motivator for hurtful behavior. If someone is envious of your accomplishments, talents, or relationships, they might resort to subtle put-downs or backhanded compliments. This is their way of trying to diminish your shine and make themselves feel better.
4. They thrive on control.
Source: Unsplash Some people derive a sense of power and control by manipulating other people’s feelings. They may use criticism, sarcasm, or guilt-tripping to keep you in check and maintain their dominance. This is often rooted in a fear of losing control, so they resort to tactics that make you feel small and dependent on them.
5. They lack empathy.
Source: Unsplash A lack of empathy means they struggle to understand or care about your feelings. They may not even realise the impact their words and actions have on you. This can make them seem insensitive and hurtful, even if they don’t intend to be.
6. They have unresolved issues.
Source: Unsplash Sometimes, people who make people feel small are carrying baggage from their past. They may have experienced trauma, neglect, or bullying, which has shaped their behavior. Their hurtful actions may be a defense mechanism or a way of coping with unresolved pain.
7. They’re competitive by nature.
Source: Unsplash While healthy competition can be motivating, some people take it to an extreme. They see every interaction as a chance to win or be better than everyone else. This can lead to a constant need to one-up you or put you down to make themselves feel superior.
8. They have a superiority complex.
Source: Unsplash People with a superiority complex genuinely believe they’re better than everyone else. They may have an inflated sense of their own abilities, intelligence, or status. This can lead to a condescending attitude and a tendency to belittle those they perceive as inferior.
9. They’re guilty of projecting their own shortcomings.
Source: Unsplash Sometimes, when people criticise your flaws or weaknesses, they’re actually projecting their own insecurities onto you. They might point out something they dislike about themselves in the hopes of making you feel insecure about it too. This deflection is a way for them to avoid confronting their own issues.
10. They’re threatened by your success.
Source: Unsplash If you’re achieving things in your personal or professional life, it can be intimidating to some people. Instead of celebrating your wins, they might try to undermine your accomplishments or downplay your successes. This is their way of trying to maintain a sense of superiority by minimising your achievements.
11. They enjoy playing mind games.
Source: Unsplash Some people thrive on drama and emotional manipulation. They might intentionally make you feel small as a way to get a reaction or keep you guessing. This can be a way for them to feel in control of the situation and your emotions.
12. They have a fixed mindset.
Source: Unsplash People with a fixed mindset believe that intelligence and abilities are set in stone. They may feel threatened by your growth or development, as it challenges their belief that they’re innately superior. They might put you down to keep you from surpassing them.
13. They haven’t learned healthier coping mechanisms.
Source: Unsplash Some people simply don’t know how to express their emotions or deal with their own insecurities in a healthy way. They may have learned to cope by putting people down, even if it’s not intentional or malicious. This doesn’t excuse their behavior, but it can help you understand where it’s coming from.
