Self-esteem? I can't help on that, mine is very low. I have enough character to accept that.
I'm trying to fill my empty self-esteem with character growth.
Character, is many things, some things include: not being a hothead, being tolerant, hearing what others have to say even if you don't agree, be open to new ideas, accepting one's flaws, and so on.
What makes up confidence?
-
Experience. The more we experience, the better prepared we are for a variety of situations. Everyone knows so. Many posts in this thread already covered the subject of experiencing and living, so I will not bother explaining better in this part.
-
Intelligence and/or Knowledge. Knowing more makes you more assured and more confident to join in a conversation.
-
Character. Acknowledging you have character, something others lack, makes you a bit confident and perhaps a bit proud of yourself.
-
Appearance. Looking better than average, either genes or in healthy physical shape. Also, you don't need a mainstream image six pack to be healthy, you dumb fucks. Just be in
normal weight. Helps in both confidence and self-esteem- until someone criticizes it anyway.
-
Behavior. Manners, language, and so on. Makes you feel and look better when in use. Knowing you aren't unlike the person at the other side of the room, eating with an open mouth, never says "please" or "thank you", and shows a continious use of the word "like", really helps with your own confidence.
On a side note, let me remember you all that our society gives a negative look that it is wrong to not be outgoing. From very early in our youth we are taught at school and by the medias to be unrealitically outgoing. You don't have to act like a moron and wave flags for attention.
However, may I mention that what everyone wrote, even what I wrote, is easier to say than to do? Let me give it the cliché phrase, "
Easier said than done.".