Any attempt to separate pride and insecurity is futile, like splitting hairs. They are intricately interconnected. Insecurity is the fear that we are not enough, not worthy, or will be exposed. And pride is a strategy to protect the self. To hide weakness. To feel significant. To avoid shame. It becomes a shield against the fear of being rejected or humiliated. Both keep us on a spiritual seesaw, our self-perception falling and rising according to the fickle feelings of self and others.