Traits that illicit an Inferiority Complex in me ... argh.

[Anubis]

Inferiority Complex (wikipedia entry): a feeling that one is inferior to others in some way [...] an advanced state of discouragement, often resulting in a retreat from difficulties.

As soon as I saw the definition, I knew I had it. So I opened up a document and wrote every trait that made me inferior. And it is huge.

Traits that illicit an Inferiority Complex in me.

1) High(er) Intelligence.
- Academic Intelligence.
- Religious Intelligence.
- Street Ingelligence
2) High(er) Social IQ
- Skilled Consversationalist.
- "Creatively" Witty
- Has Great Joke Pacing; Funny
- Commanding of attention from Beautiful and Powerful People.
3) High(er) Athletic IQ
- In Basketball, Football, Volleyball, etc.
4) High(er) Strength.
- Visually (Height, Weight, Biceps).
- Physically (High Bench Press, High Squat, etc.)
5) High(er) Attractiveness
- With Girls, just plain beauty.
6) High(er) Bravery.
- Unswayed by Criticism/Jokes
- Ability to Tangle with people who would otherwise illicit an inferiority complex from me.
7) High(er) Maturity.
8) High(er) Occupation
- Generally, higher station in material world.
9) High(er) Above Traits when Lower in Age.
10) High(er) Age.

I was wondering. Is it normal to have so many triggers that make you inferior? Or am I just over-reacting to traits. It's just that whenever I sense any of these traits from anyone, my movements become inhibited and I'm afraid of making the wrong move (for fear of embarrassment and sometimes "safety" in people who are aggressively strong).

Another thing is that I also have counter-motivation to stay this way, as odd it sounds. Feeling inferior sucks, but there's also a sense of "awe" and amazement mixed in. And that gives me an interesting high. Overall, it just feels more comfortable, like I'm in the hands of a more accomplished person who can make sure I don't make too many mistakes.

So as you can see. It's something I have mixed emotions about. Mainly it's because I don't really know how to react when I feel inferior to someone, or if feeling inferior is even normal. Any thoughts?

 

[MotherWolff]

I wonder where inferiority complex comes from or I wonder how it comes about. Its like people who feel this way have a seemingly odd need to feel inferior to EVERYONE. Maybe its because they want to have certain personality traits(like what Anubis listed) that others may have but they don't I guess. But if you think about it, that's such an unrealistic way of thinking that its funny. No one in the world can have all of those traits. Its downright impossible! I believe one way that someone could get rid of their inferiority complex is to realize that truth.

 

[Anubis]

lol, those are actually things that make feel inferior. And yea, you're right, there is something about feeling inferior that triggers comfort which is probably why I can't shake it.

I definitely need to think more realistically. Or maybe I just need to stop dividing life scenarios into "superior" and the "inferior" realms. I still gotta brainstorm some more, but at least I know why I get anxious in front of people with these traits. I guess it's also why I prefer befriending people who I consider "inferior" to me (that is, in these specific traits). That doesn't mean I don't have friends with "superior" traits, I just tend to hang around with people I consider "non-threatening" more.

Thanks for the responses though (pinker and motherwolf).

 

[recluse]

No matter who the person is i always find a reason to feel inferior to them. I feel like the most unimportant person in the world a lot of the time.

 

[madmike]

I suppose it's all about finding your own strengths and then realizing you can't be good at everything. Seriously, I think most people have some distinguishing quality, you might not even realize your own yet.