My husband has the same problem with self-esteem.

For awhile he was involved with a couple of women on the net. It was a place where he could be whoever he wanted. They didn't know anything about him, and he could just be a nice guy.

He came across as this great guy, very kind , considerate, fun.

(And he is those things, but what they didn't see was that while he was talking with them all night on the computer being charming; his house was falling down from neglect, he was rude and inconsiderate to his family etc.)

Finding someone new to like him became like a drug. But he wasn't real with them.

I on the other hand, accept him; faults and all. I strive to see him through Gods eyes.
We all want to be liked, well thought of. We want to be loved- to be known for who we really are and still loved.

I think that true selfworth can only come from knowing we are truly known and loved by God.