It is difficult for anyone with unhealthy self-esteem or negative self-perception not to be critical, both of themselves and of others. They rarely see the good in themselves; they are more focused on what is lacking in their lives than on what is sufficient; this, in turn, makes it nearly impossible for them to see the good in their spouses and others, as they are more likely to see the fault in people than how much of a blessing people have been.
Likewise, an indication of negative self-perception is the inability to accept compliments. People suffering from unhealthy self-esteem feel flattered when they are complimented, and they cannot easily compliment others, no matter how dedicated or loyal a person is to them.
