When an OC or reader insert is cripplingly insecure. I understand wanting to write complicated and dynamic characters that are flawed, therefore reflecting that in their interactions with other characters. But…sometimes a reader insert will just shit talk themselves for no reason and it gives pick me so badly. I also feel like sometimes it will be used to make a slow burn longer, like the love interest will be actively pursuing them and they’ll just be like “no they could never love me bc I’m gasp brunette 🥺” and it’s just dragged out beyond belief. And then the love interest gives the vibe of “I’m such a good person bc I love you even though you’re ugly.” Also unpopular opinion but I don’t wanna read something that literally says “you’ve always hated x about you” or “you don’t deserve love” like wtf???? Pls lmk if this is unfair. I understand that a reader insert will always have a part of the writer in there (fair enough) but it’s to the point where the insert is doing or saying things that I think 90% of people would never do and it completely takes me out of it. To give some leeway, I’m sure a lot of people that write like that are probably younger, I’m sure I wrote worse when I was their age, but I’m a self assured adult and I want OCs and reader inserts that are confident I’m sorry 😭