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Common Areas of Insecurity

Here are some of the areas in which men and women may be insecure. It's a short list, but it covers a lot of territory.

• Both parties are worried about being seen as unworthy or worthless.
• Men tend to worry about failing in business or in their careers.
• Women tend to worry about being physically unattractive.
• Some men worry about not being able to handle their responsibilities in the relationship.

These fears can all bring about defensive, and hurtful, behaviors in the relationship.

For example, in order to mask his insecurities, a man may be foolishly macho, or super-sensitive, or even abusive with his wife.

Other screens in this section discuss signs and behaviors of insecure people.

If you see yourself, the first step is often simply to admit your fears and insecurities to your spouse. It may then be your spouse's job to help you dismiss the groundless fears and then to deal constructively with the fears that have a basis in reality.

Do not use your knowledge of your spouse's insecurities to tear him or her down. This may vent some short-term anger, but in the long term it hurts both of you, and it hurts the relationship.

If your spouse does this, you must in turn try to rise above it, by admitting that those are your fears and weaknesses, and by trying to address them calmly and objectively.

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Disclaimer: We are not giving legal advice. No warranties. We disclaim all legal liability. More...