Self-consciousness

Self-consciousness is a state of heightened awareness of oneself, particularly in social situations. This psychological condition often leads to feelings of unease or anxiety about how one is perceived by others. Individuals experiencing self-consciousness may become hyper-aware of their appearance, actions, or emotions, leading to a reluctance to engage fully in social interactions.

Self-consciousness meaning with examples

• At the gathering, Lisa felt an overwhelming sense of self-consciousness due to her new outfit. Though she had chosen it with care, the fear that others might judge her choice made her overly aware of her appearance, causing her to withdraw from conversations and enjoy the event less than she had hoped.
• During the presentation, Mark struggled with self-consciousness as he stood in front of his colleagues. The worry that his nervous gestures or stammering speech would be scrutinized diverted his focus from the content he wanted to convey, leaving him feeling exposed and vulnerable in a setting that normally would have inspired confidence.
• After moving to a new city, Jenna experienced intense self-consciousness when attending her first social event. Surrounded by unfamiliar faces, she became overly aware of her mannerisms and speech, which hindered her ability to engage freely, showcasing how self-doubt can stifle genuine connections in new environments.
• While participating in the theater group, Tom's self-consciousness about his acting skills caused him to second-guess his performances. His fear of making mistakes led to a struggle in projecting his voice and embodying his character, illustrating how self-consciousness can impede the execution of one's talents.