6 Signs You're Seeking Others' Approval - and How to Stop

There comes a time in every man's life when the desire to please others and gain their approval becomes an almost constant need.

There comes a time in every man's life when the desire to please others and gain their approval becomes an almost constant need. We start seeking praise, earning respect, and looking for validation of our worth. But what happens when this need goes beyond normal social interactions and turns into a real dependency? If you find yourself constantly seeking approval, it’s time to work on yourself. Here are 6 signs that you’re seeking others’ approval – and how to break the habit.

Your self-esteem depends on how others perceive you

You tend to evaluate yourself through the eyes of others and often take their opinions as absolute truth. This drains your energy because you try to meet other people’s expectations while forgetting your own needs and happiness.
What to do about it? Work on building inner confidence by setting goals that don’t rely on others’ perceptions. Learn to appreciate yourself for who you are.

You struggle to make independent decisions

If you constantly ask others for advice on what to do in different situations, it could be a sign that you’re looking for approval. You fear making a decision and being wrong.
What to do about it? Start making decisions on your own. Mistakes are part of the process, and every wrong choice is a chance to become wiser.

You apologize too often

If you find yourself saying sorry even when you haven’t done anything wrong, it might be a sign of deep insecurity. Many people apologize for their emotions, opinions, or needs just to keep others happy.
What to do about it? Free yourself from unnecessary apologies. You don’t need to justify what you feel or think.

You’re a people-pleaser

If you always try to make others happy, even at your own expense, you may be dependent on their approval. You forget about yourself while trying to please everyone around you.
What to do about it? Learn to put your own needs first. Helping others shouldn’t come at the cost of your well-being.

You’re overly sensitive to rejection

When you invite a friend or colleague to meet up and they decline, you start worrying. You take the rejection personally, as if it reflects your own worth.
What to do about it? Accept that rejection is a normal part of life and not a reflection of your value as a person. Everyone has their own preferences and boundaries.

You struggle to love yourself

If you constantly seek approval from others, chances are you don’t truly love yourself. You compare yourself to others and often feel like you don’t measure up to their expectations.
What to do about it? Develop self-love by building inner confidence. Compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to others, and embrace both your strengths and weaknesses.