Hi Lori,
You are right and the lack of self-worth can make people behave in different ways. The way I've found it to be helpful with those who are struggling with low self-esteem is to remind them that we accept and care about them and that even though they may interpret our behavior as rejecting, they must communicate it otherwise we won't know what they are feeling/how to help. Communication is key. I hope this is helpful and glad you commented. Great point.
Emily