1. Being self-absorbed
If you are someone who focuses on 'Self' instead of 'self,' then you probably don't keep the same group of friends for very long. So if this sounds like you, it's time to stop being a downer with an 'All About Me' attitude. No one wants to be around that. When you start to listen more, you'll be happier and have more to say because people can surprise you. Sometimes we learn the most from the ones we expect the least from.
2. Ongoing competition
Even if you are the most talented person in the world, the true test of a winner is the dignity they show afterward. We all know the type. Someone says something like, "I just did __" And they say, "Wow, that's it? I've done that and __" If this sounds like you, then learn to let people accept growth by not stepping all over their accomplishments. Being around someone who constantly needs validation can feel exhausting. It's okay to acknowledge what you've done but if you overdo it, your confidence could be seen as a flaw.
3. Not seeing beauty as only skin deep
In the world we live in now, it's hard for us to focus on inner beauty with so much clutter distracting us. Culturally we strive for this opposite, fake sort of beauty in preserving youth culture. This is only causing more exposure towards making beauty solely about what we see. So if this sounds like something you struggle with like our current culture, just remember that you are so much more than a body. The beauty we physically see is only superficial, but the beauty we express comes from our differences. Having a positive spirit and strong intellect will take you further than any physical quality. There is beauty in everything and in everyone.
4. Worrying about social media following or amount of likes
Social media is making girls aspire to unrealistic beauty standards. From saying things like, "I'm deleting my picture if it doesn't get _# of likes" to refreshing their updates to check if their follower count changed. From constant comparing "Am I good enough" to followers becoming some sort of goal to reach; people with this mindset are often nothing more than empty shells of an ugly person. I'm not saying this is everyone, but it is a problem. Former Instagram model Essena Oneil says, "Placing any amount of worth on your physical form is so limiting." So if you struggle with your self-image in this way, then maybe try limiting the amount of time on social media or removing it altogether. Beauty isn't a competition so just be happy with your differences and uniqueness. You'll never truly be beautiful until you see beauty in yourself without needing validation from others.
5. Excessive reactors
Freaking out over little changes and obsessing of control. Basically, the ultimate toxic drama queens like Sharpay and Regina George, which is essentially the opposite of what we should be comparing strength to. However, there aren't many strong female characters portrayed in media without toxic behaviors. The strong one is often the villain, the bully, and are typically seen as cold. This reflects on people who mimic these kinds of extreme reactions in life. They often get placed with the same labels in society. So if this sounds like you, learn to not blame others for your behavior. Even if someone riles you up, ultimately, you decide how you react; no one else.
