๐ In The Name Of Allah The Most Gracious The Most Merciful
๐ There is a huge difference between being "shy" and "insecure". One person may appear to be outgoing, courageously ready to mingle and socialize, yet deep down inside they're incredibly insecure and unconfident. Another individual can be described as "shy" when they dislike bringing unnecessary attention to themselves, feel uneasy around large social gatherings, or they refrain from behaving in a manner that could repel or turn off those whom they look up to.
Many reserved introverts or ambiverts who are "shy" when among strangers actually have a good amount of self-esteem. They can be regarded as "confident" when they do things with a reasonable purpose regardless of people's opinions and criticism. Insecure individuals on the other hand act out because they excessively care about what people think. They're usually driven by their own emotions or ego and how onlookers view them.
๐น Three signs that indicate a person could be insecure - they are unhappy with who they are or they lack self-confidence:
1] They're quick to judge your intentions and question others' motives.
If you and some friends are laughing, the insecure person instantly assumes they're the subject of your discussion, when that isn't the case. If you want to share some information because you think it can benefit others, an insecure person would speculate you're "showing off again" or "acting like a know-it-all". If you're asking questions because you're curious and willing to develop your friendship, an obnoxiously insecure individual would get offended and assume you want certain information only for selfish reasons.
They're so insecure and unsure of themselves that they can't even see others in a positive way.
2] They shamelessly verbalize wrong assumptions about others.
Instead of keeping their bad thoughts to themselves, like mature adults do, insecure people utilize their social media accounts to bring others down. Their gigantic load of insecurities is what drives them to post passive-aggressive status updates which are directed at those whom they're too afraid to confront. They are so enriched with insecure self-hatred that insulting others and counting people's flaws to distract oneself from one's own are done to pacify their minuscule self-esteem.
3] They deliberately do and say things to make you feel bad about yourself.
"Oh your baby recently started crawling? That's sad. Mine learned to crawl at five months.", "How come your husband doesn't work in the same city you're in? Maybe you should influence him to find another job so you're not neglected. You're extremely weak if you never remind him what your rights are.", and "Why did you style your hair like that? Are you copying me? This hairstyle is unsuitable for your face shape." are some examples of statements you may hear from insecure haters.
People who are secure, glow with confidence, and who are grateful for the blessings that Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala gave them, uplift others and spread cheerful vibes, not mistreat people whom they regard as competition or threats to their limelight.
๐ Abu Dharr RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Fear Allah wherever you are, follow a bad deed with a good deed and it will erase it, and behave well with good character towards the people."
Source: Sunan At-Tirmidhi 1987
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to At-Tirmidhi
๐ Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent. Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him honor his neighbor. Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him honor his guest."
In another narration, the Prophet SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Let him not harm his neighbor."
And in another narration, the Prophet SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Let him uphold family ties."
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 5672, Sahih Muslim 47
Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (Authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim
๐ Anas ibn Malik RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "The believer is one who is trusted by people. The Muslim is one from whose tongue and hand the Muslims are safe. The emigrant (muhaajir) is one who emigrates away from evil. By the One (Allah) in Whose Hand is my soul, a servant will not enter Paradise if his neighbor is not secure from his harm."
Source: Sahih Ibn Hibbān 515
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Arna’ut
