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[–]RogerRockmore 30 points31 points32 points 4 years ago (6 children) | Copy Link
Hey man I looked through your profile a bit, and you seem like a normal, cool guy. I'm 33 and still struggle with confidence at times, but it's gotten much better with constant work on whatever hobbies and goals are important to me. Some people, whether nature or nurture, didn't grow up believing in themselves and that's ok. Build up integrity with yourself by never quitting on whatever it is that's important to you (you can walk away by choice but that's different than quitting when times are tough). People will respect that, and you'll respect yourself. That respect will build confidence and it'll turn into a cycle.
[–]hi_im_luke17 11 points12 points13 points 4 years ago (5 children) | Copy Link
Feels good to be called normal I won’t lie thanks for that. And I can only think of two times I actually quit on something but I still struggle with confidence maybe I need to find a new hobby or something.
[–]RogerRockmore 5 points6 points7 points 4 years ago (3 children) | Copy Link
For sure man you seem well adjusted. You don't need to search for a new hobby like it's a magic pill or something, but I know doing things that I can be proud of gives me more confidence than playing video games for instance. And I love video games. I just play significantly less than I used to.
Do you have a good friend group to fall back on?
[–]hi_im_luke17 3 points4 points5 points 4 years ago (2 children) | Copy Link
Kinda, I don’t like opening up about my problems unless it’s anon. I’m the type of person that wants to carry everyone’s weight and be there for them while they don’t worry about me.
[–]RogerRockmore 3 points4 points5 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
Yeah I feel you. I'm the same way honestly. I think it's admirable to a point, but if you're really in need, don't be afraid to open up to one of your closest friends. If they're really a genuine friend, they'll hear you out and you'll both feel closer after.
If it hasn't reached that point, it's fine imo to stay a little stoic, but I think they can help your confidence in other ways. If they share any of the same hobbies, it can definitely help your confidence to partake with them. Or even just goofing around and doing nothing important at all when you're feeling down can be a great pick me up. Pretty basic advice, but just wanted to remind you, if you have good friends, don't take em for granted. They'll help you whether they know it or not (but you should let them know once in a while).
[–]macroxela 0 points1 point2 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
I’m the type of person that wants to carry everyone’s weight and be there for them while they don’t worry about me.
That's actually holding you back. Most of us are taught that it's a sign of strength to be the quiet stoic type who is there for others but never needs anyone else. But it's the exact opposite and quite unhealthy. Why? Because we are social beings who need interactions to live a healthy life. Hiding your needs and wants will simply make them fester underneath which hurt your confidence and other aspects of yourself. It takes more confidence to have trusted others you can depend on than to stand on your own.
[–]stanthemilkman88 2 points3 points4 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
You get confidence from real world positive feed back. You don't get confidence from hiding away and avoiding it. Rejection is better than regret, you're going to die so get started.
Book of pook would be a good reference.
[–]Cowboy-as-a-cat 94 points95 points96 points 4 years ago (7 children) | Copy Link
GYM GYM GYM.
If you’re not going what are you really doing? The gym makes me want to fuck myself (sadly I can’t). I get no bitches rn but at least I love myself, every day you go to the gym you get just a little bit more amazing which eventually compounds into being GODLIKE.
Also on a serious note, I feel like the gym helps with suicidal thoughts because you don’t want to waste those gains.
[–]hi_im_luke17 22 points23 points24 points 4 years ago (6 children) | Copy Link
Lol, I’ve been going to the gym since I was 15-16 I want to say and I won’t lie it does help but I still have times where I doubt myself, I’m not suicidal anymore thankfully, I finally got it through my head it’s not worth it.
[–][deleted] 4 years ago (5 children) | Copy Link
[permanently deleted]
[–]hi_im_luke17 5 points6 points7 points 4 years ago (4 children) | Copy Link
No never smoked weed, I honestly want to give it a try though. I do try to think about how I’m the man I won’t lie but I just don’t feel like it half the time I feel like I’m just talking to myself without an end goal if you get what I mean.
[–]hoothoot6996 6 points7 points8 points 4 years ago (3 children) | Copy Link
do you jack off alot?
[–]bunghole_stinger 1 point2 points3 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
Yea
[–]hi_im_luke17 0 points1 point2 points 4 years ago (1 child) | Copy Link
Not really i mean do but I’m not an every day guy
[–]hoothoot6996 -2 points-1 points0 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
I guess quit that and drink more water. I'm no therapist but your low self confidence could come from trauma in the past, so if you have been victim of abuse, I'd suggest seek therapy
even if you've not, I still suggest seeking therapy because you can learn so many things about yourself from therapy
[–]GKoala 32 points33 points34 points 4 years ago (9 children) | Copy Link
Set and hit goals my guy. It's the only way. Gym is touted because it is the most easily available goal that is easily set and hit.
Ever wanted to achieve anything simply to say you did it? Go and do it. Then find something else and go do that too. Confidence in anything comes from repeated success. You're confident you can brush your teeth, you're confident you can put your clothes on. You're confident in those because you have done it many times with success.
What do you not feel confident about specifically?
[–]hi_im_luke17 11 points12 points13 points 4 years ago (8 children) | Copy Link
I’ve always been unconfident/insecure about my life to be honest. I just feel like a loser, I’m in college and I’ve never partied and I never get invited no matter how many friends I make, all my relationships have been failures before they even started, I’m about to be a 20 year old virgin, my family has gotten to the point to where the comments about my relationship and normal life are now starting to get personal I just feel like a loser.
[–]GKoala 11 points12 points13 points 4 years ago (2 children) | Copy Link
Good. Acknowledge it. Embrace it.
Are you going to be a little bitch and accept it and continue to be sad or are you going to use it as fuel that drives you to be better and not what they call you?
If you're making friends like you say, are you expressing your desire to party to them? Have you invited them to come party with you? Dont sit around waiting for an invite, hear about and ask if you can go. Worst they say is no, ask another group. (Applies to women as well). Rejection is part of the course. You must be willing to accept it and continue trying until you hit success. Once you get enough success you will get confidence. That is the only way. Believe you can succeed and you will.
You're in college, you tell people you have alcohol or weed and people will come.
[–]hi_im_luke17 1 point2 points3 points 4 years ago (1 child) | Copy Link
I get where you’re coming from and I’m not going to lie you’re right. And no don’t have access to alcohol or weed I’m 19 have a job and friends don’t want to share
[–]L6ken 0 points1 point2 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
I’m in the same exact boat bruh still figuring things out comforting to see others my age like this
[–]Galo07 1 point2 points3 points 4 years ago (2 children) | Copy Link
Maaan I feel you, I’m here to talk if you want.
[–]hi_im_luke17 2 points3 points4 points 4 years ago (1 child) | Copy Link
I appreciate it but I don’t want to make you my therapist or anything thx though
[–]pranakarama 0 points1 point2 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
As a person who is taking therapy, a therapist is almost as important as a support group. A support group is crucial! Sorry if it was unsolicited advice.
[–]nighttimedrives23 1 point2 points3 points 4 years ago (1 child) | Copy Link
For me, a necessary step in becoming confident was taking a deep dive back to the beginning to find out where the problem started/what caused it.
Again, this is just my personal experience, but I had to confront some hard truths and learn that my own family (people I trusted a lot) had a really big role in my lack of confidence as much as I didn't want to think about it. Confronting that allowed me to realize what had sparked years of no confidence, and then I could change things from the bottom up.
This might be a total miss but you mentioned that your "family's comments have been becoming personal" I might just be overanalyzing this because it rings true to my own situation but if I were you I would ask myself how much interactions like that with your family might be effecting your confidence. Perhaps you need to learn to dismiss the voices of even your family to stop a flow of negative energy towards yourself.
Just a thought though haha, let me know if I'm totally off base.
[–]hi_im_luke17 0 points1 point2 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
Yeah you are looking a little too deep my family does love and support me and I’m the same for them. It’s just the jokes have started to not feel like jokes anymore if you get what I mean
[–]theseoulplayer 7 points8 points9 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
I realize that a lot of people in this sub like simple one-line answers that don't do anything, but I'm going to try an actual step by step explanation for you of how to improve your confidence.
Confidence, and a lack thereof, usually comes down to congruence. Basically, if you're trying to act or talk one way but it's different than what you actually think and feel, it creates a rift in your head. You have a version of yourself that you feel is 'real' and another one that you feel is for others.
This usually stems from not liking certain aspects of yourself or thinking that others won't like those parts of you. If it's the first, then there are steps you can take to directly change those things about yourself so that you feel more comfortable about them. If it's the second, the 'easy' answer is fuck the haters, but I realize it's not always that simple. You might need to figure out why you care what the specific person / people think, particularly about whatever aspect of yourself you aren't showing.
Once you figure what is creating the rift in your head, decide what you want to do about it. Either change those aspects of yourself or embrace them... but you must OWN that decision. In that moment, you make a conscious decision of who you are. Most people simply take an amalgamation of their culture and experiences and let that be 'them', as if existence is a spectator sport, but by deciding which parts of yourself to keep and expunge, you are intentionally and actively creating yourself.
After deliberately creating the person you want to be, stick with it and own it. That is now a person you can be proud of in any situation, a person who you're proud to be, and most importantly, a person who can be confident in who he is. He can be confident because he has taken stock of his life and made the direct decision to be this person. Is there anything more confident than a person who genuinely owns every aspect of himself? I argue no.
So yeah, go to the gym if that's something you need to do to fix yourself. Learn a language? Sure. Bang a bunch? I guess if it helps. But whatever it is you do, make sure that it's intentional and 100% your choice.
[–]YetzirahToAhssiah 5 points6 points7 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
I've been recognizing the following things:
1) I'm always working to make my life better, and I mentor/help others to do the same
2) I'm fun, relaxed, easy to be around
3) Women who get romantic with me get really attached... because I'm affectionate, caring, and put effort into pleasuring them
[–]helpMeOut9999 4 points5 points6 points 4 years ago (2 children) | Copy Link
Martial arts. Jiu-jitsu.
[–][deleted] 4 years ago (1 child) | Copy Link
[–]helpMeOut9999 1 point2 points3 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
Lol are you joking me? That's honestly near the dumbest thing I've heard anyone say. Jiu-jitsu is the most utilized fighting technique in MMA.
You can efficiently kill and maim people using it.
[–]mightymite88 5 points6 points7 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
fake it till you make it. invest in yourself. invest in your style, your fitness, your apartment, your finances, your friends. make approaches with some swagger, even if you have to fake it. eventually you'll reap the rewards that will give you real confidence
[–]GravelRoad730 5 points6 points7 points 4 years ago (1 child) | Copy Link
Social interacting is just that.....ACTING!.. when I am about to get into any type of interaction with people that I don't know I always say to myself ..... "Show time" or "Break a leg" something like that to get me into character...like I was waking on stage. Hope this helps.
[–]crabbman61 point 4 years ago [recovered] | Copy Link
Why are you getting into character to talk to other people? Just be yourself. There is no need to be fake.
[–]TheCuriousBread 2 points3 points4 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
Pure lack of fucks given. It's just mathematics. 3 seconds of bravery will lead to a payoff that lasts a lifetime. Assuming you're 20, that's a payoff ratio of 630million to 1. Why the FUCK are you getting nervous with odds like that? You've got millions of seconds left, you can give 3 seconds of no fucks.
[–]the_anarchist08 2 points3 points4 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
Remember Luke, the force is always with you!
[–]CocoBabeNYC 1 point2 points3 points 4 years ago (1 child) | Copy Link
Maybe start by treating your underlying depression and self esteem issues first.
[–]hi_im_luke17 1 point2 points3 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
I don’t think I have depression but I know I have self esteem issues
[–]Keezymac34 1 point2 points3 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
Mindfulness and not feeding into negative thoughts just because they pop up. Also not looking toward anyone to tell you that your the shit its beliving it yoursef wether anyone else thinks so.
[–]NoDatabase1552 4 years ago [recovered] (1 child) | Copy Link
You face what you're uncertain about without backing out and realize nothing bad happens. This takes time. Next level is you control the variables to make things go your way.
That's the general formula, but it seems like you're insecure about specific things.
Yeah if you read the comments you can see what it is I’m insecure about there’s some other things but that’s the main stuff
[–]Colinlr 1 point2 points3 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
The best advise for gaining confidence is accepting who you are, as a human. There just are some things that you (and I) suck in, and it is best to just accepting that.
[–]homelessfish22 1 point2 points3 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
This is becoming less and less of game sub and more about self help and inner workings. Which is probably better for the young men out there. When I was younger I’m as exactly the same. Good at acting confident and playing a arcade to get laid. You can’t wear that mask forever it will shatter eventually.
As much of the comments here are saying, exercise, eat healthy, groom yourself, manage finances and commit time to doing things you actually care about.
[–]gillmanblacklagooner 1 point2 points3 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
Simple: you invest in yourself. You hit the gym, you develop genuine hobbies, you aim to study and work at things you love, you put some effort in your passions and personal projects. Have in mind: do it for yourself, for your health and mental health. Don’t put yourself in awkward situations just “because everyone’s telling it’s cool or because there are ladies there”… Do you wanna go vegan but you fear your “friends” will mock you? F’em all! Do you like certain type of art or hobby but are still afraid about what others will think about it? F’em all! Don’t get me wrong, I’m not asking you to be a selfish bully. I want you to reconnect you. Check your intentions, your feelings. Be picky, not pricky.
[–]Ambitious-Ice2357 0 points1 point2 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
You gain confidence by doing. Keep going outside your comfort zone and keep working towards your goals. The confidence will come.
[–]Aristox 0 points1 point2 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
Start training brazilian jiu jitsu
[–]Beansnmilk 0 points1 point2 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
To me I'd say planning something and actually accomplishing it and seeing the difference it makes, for example you planned to go to the gym tomorrow and you actually did go despite it being hard and stuff, you'd automatically feel more confident since you did prove yourself right and accomplished it and this likewise with everything else I believe.
[–]Chicagoj1563 0 points1 point2 points 4 years ago (2 children) | Copy Link
Seek out inner game sources. Sounds like you need inner game work. Just be sure you find sources that are credible, not just say this, then do this, and feel good about it. But, sources that will dig deep into your beliefs, where they come from, and how to do the work to improve your communication skills. That's the work you should be doing to improve. I learned from rsd, but there are probably others out there.
What is rsd?
[–]masmiester 1 point2 points3 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
Real socail dynamics they were the biggest pick up advice very very good. Todd V in you tube was from there. Watch his stuff.
[–]Clearly_Ryan 0 points1 point2 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
Saved. These replies are great.
[–]Skylerismyname 0 points1 point2 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
I think it comes first from self fulfillment, and once I realized everyone was just as insecure in their skin as I was, I became very confident because I knew who I was and what I’ve accomplished. So fast forward to the present I can have a conversation with anyone, and at my job I do. I talk to everyone, even if it’s not a conversation I’ll just say hello or make a snazzy remark. I don’t care about what people think of me, I like me, and I know who I am. Plus I’m 20 years old and the fact that I figured this out at a somewhat early age gives me a lot of confidence as well.
[–]EstablishmentIll67 0 points1 point2 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
First step is hop off Reddit… lmao I’m joking just remember it can always be worse and can always be better but ur doing good
[–]Dc_comicsfan 0 points1 point2 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
Fake it till you make it
[–]According_Praline_16 0 points1 point2 points 4 years ago (1 child) | Copy Link
Talk to everyone not just girls thats the problem build social skills
I do talk to everyone but looks like most people don’t care about what I have to say I’ll ask a lot questions trying to get them to talk but they’ll never respond or engage if you get what I mean
[–]According_Praline_16 0 points1 point2 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
Then try different things
[–]No_Inspection_7176 0 points1 point2 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
Realize that everyone around you is in the same boat. Even the most put together and confident people often struggle with insecurity and the more bravado, the more they’re struggling on the inside. Once I realized that everyone around me is at least a smidge self conscious and are secretly afraid of something I started to feel a bit better in my skin and realized that I’m completely normal and it’s not just me which helped me get over myself and stop the constant negative self talk, “why am I so awkward? I feel like I’m the only person that can’t easily make friends. I feel like I’m always the odd one out, etc.”
One of my friends is a vivacious human being who can jump onto a stage and dazzle a crowd with karaoke, she can make friends with anyone, and is just generally a very extroverted and upbeat person, she drunkenly admitted to me one night that she’s terrified she comes off way too strong and that people find her obnoxious and that she’ll never meet a man who can handle her big personality. At that point I just realized that a person I adored and idolized in a lot of ways is also just a ball of anxiety and when I started to get real with people about my anxiety and insecurities I was shocked by pretty much everyone saying they struggled with it too. I saw in another comment that you’re 20 and that’s a tough age, you’re kind of just coming into your own and are just starting to figure out what kind of person you want to be and what you realistically want your life to look like. It’s a huge transition point in your life where you’re kind of thrown into the deep end without the life experience to back you up that tells you that no matter what happens you’ll be okay because you’ve survived worse before. I recommend setting goals for yourself, even if they’re small like hitting the gym a couple times a week for a physical and mental boost, asking that cutie out for coffee and telling yourself even if they say no that you’re proud of yourself for getting out of your comfort zone and trying, and surrounding yourself with good supports like friends who are actively trying to move up in life and are encouraging, committing to a hobby that is social and/or will allow you to level up something in your life like your fitness or intelligence. Good luck!
[–]UnusualLight0 0 points1 point2 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
A simple one that helped is: honesty. Be 100% honest when you are asked something and be honest with yourself. It will surprise you how happy you are knowing you are telling everyone the truth.
[–]BKF891 point 4 years ago [recovered] | Copy Link
you have two options
Anybody who criticizes #2 is stupid don't listen to them. I swear to God it is more fool-proof than any PUA method, any Whatever pickup method any anything. It is literally the formula for any man who struggles with women
© TheRedArchive 2026. All rights reserved.created by /u/dream-hunter
[–]RogerRockmore 30 points31 points32 points (6 children) | Copy Link
[–]hi_im_luke17 11 points12 points13 points (5 children) | Copy Link
[–]RogerRockmore 5 points6 points7 points (3 children) | Copy Link
[–]hi_im_luke17 3 points4 points5 points (2 children) | Copy Link
[–]RogerRockmore 3 points4 points5 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]macroxela 0 points1 point2 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]stanthemilkman88 2 points3 points4 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]Cowboy-as-a-cat 94 points95 points96 points (7 children) | Copy Link
[–]hi_im_luke17 22 points23 points24 points (6 children) | Copy Link
[–][deleted] (5 children) | Copy Link
[–]hi_im_luke17 5 points6 points7 points (4 children) | Copy Link
[–]hoothoot6996 6 points7 points8 points (3 children) | Copy Link
[–]bunghole_stinger 1 point2 points3 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]hi_im_luke17 0 points1 point2 points (1 child) | Copy Link
[–]hoothoot6996 -2 points-1 points0 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]GKoala 32 points33 points34 points (9 children) | Copy Link
[–]hi_im_luke17 11 points12 points13 points (8 children) | Copy Link
[–]GKoala 11 points12 points13 points (2 children) | Copy Link
[–]hi_im_luke17 1 point2 points3 points (1 child) | Copy Link
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[–]Galo07 1 point2 points3 points (2 children) | Copy Link
[–]hi_im_luke17 2 points3 points4 points (1 child) | Copy Link
[–]pranakarama 0 points1 point2 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]nighttimedrives23 1 point2 points3 points (1 child) | Copy Link
[–]hi_im_luke17 0 points1 point2 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]theseoulplayer 7 points8 points9 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]YetzirahToAhssiah 5 points6 points7 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]helpMeOut9999 4 points5 points6 points (2 children) | Copy Link
[–][deleted] (1 child) | Copy Link
[–]helpMeOut9999 1 point2 points3 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]mightymite88 5 points6 points7 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]GravelRoad730 5 points6 points7 points (1 child) | Copy Link
[–]crabbman61 point [recovered] | Copy Link
[–]TheCuriousBread 2 points3 points4 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]the_anarchist08 2 points3 points4 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]CocoBabeNYC 1 point2 points3 points (1 child) | Copy Link
[–]hi_im_luke17 1 point2 points3 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]Keezymac34 1 point2 points3 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]NoDatabase1552 [recovered] (1 child) | Copy Link
[–]hi_im_luke17 0 points1 point2 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]Colinlr 1 point2 points3 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]homelessfish22 1 point2 points3 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]gillmanblacklagooner 1 point2 points3 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]Ambitious-Ice2357 0 points1 point2 points (0 children) | Copy Link
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[–]Beansnmilk 0 points1 point2 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]Chicagoj1563 0 points1 point2 points (2 children) | Copy Link
[–]hi_im_luke17 0 points1 point2 points (1 child) | Copy Link
[–]masmiester 1 point2 points3 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]Clearly_Ryan 0 points1 point2 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]Skylerismyname 0 points1 point2 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]EstablishmentIll67 0 points1 point2 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]Dc_comicsfan 0 points1 point2 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]According_Praline_16 0 points1 point2 points (1 child) | Copy Link
[–]hi_im_luke17 0 points1 point2 points (0 children) | Copy Link
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[–]UnusualLight0 0 points1 point2 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]BKF891 point [recovered] | Copy Link