The Little Move That Screws With Your Confidence

Girls star Lena Dunham recently tweeted, "Magic skill: I can make even the cutest pair of shorts look like an adult diaper." And while that kind of self-deprecating humor is hugely popular right now thanks to shows like Girls and Two Broke Girls, experts warn that it can make you seem insecure and even mess with your confidence. Here are a few times it's tempting to poke fun at yourself...and what you should say instead.

The sitch: At happy hour, your friend who you haven't seen in a while asks you what's new.

You say: "Ugh, nothing...I'm sooo boring."

Instead try: "I've been so excited to see you all week...it's been forever!"

Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.

1 of 9 Photo: Courtesy of Cosmopolitan

The sitch: Your pal asks you if you remembered to invite her new guy to your party.

You say: "Damn, I forgot! Worst friend ever right here."

What you should say instead: "Wow, totally spaced. Sorry about that...I'll invite him now."

2 of 9 Photo: Courtesy of Cosmopolitan

The sitch: You order the onion rings at dinner.

You say: "...Annnd this is why I hate my thighs."

Instead try: "Anyone else want some?"

3 of 9 Photo: Courtesy of Cosmopolitan

The sitch: Your parents' friend asks if you've been dating anyone.

You say:"Only losers! Guess I don't attract the good guys."

Instead try: "No one that deserves me."

4 of 9 Photo: Courtesy of Cosmopolitan

The sitch: You're splitting the tab with a few friends at dinner.

You say: "I'm so dumb...can someone who actually has a brain do the math?"

Instead try: Reach for your iPhone and say, "Hang on, gonna need my calculator for this one..."

5 of 9 Photo: Courtesy of Cosmopolitan

The sitch: Your friend tells you that you look hot in your mini skirt.

You say: "Thank you, Spanx."

Instead try: "You look fab, too!"

6 of 9 Photo: Courtesy of Cosmopolitan

The sitch: Your co-workers tell you the cupcakes you made are awesome.

You say: "Yeah, I'm really good at opening cardboard boxes."

Instead try: "It's my secret recipe!"

SOURCES: Christine Hassler, life coach and author of 20-Something, 20-Everything; Marni Battista, Los Angeles-based relationship expert

7 of 9 Photo: Courtesy of Cosmopolitan

8 of 9 Cosmopolitan

The Little Move That Screws With Your Confidence

your life, inspired