Q. How do I know whether I'm proud or humble?
A. One author answers,
"Allow me to remind you that among other evident signs of a lack of humility are:
-Thinking that what you do or say is better than what others do or say;
-Always wanting to get your own way;
-Arguing when you are not right or — when you are — insisting stubbornly or with bad manners;
-Giving your opinion without being asked for it, and when charity does not demand you to do so;
-Despising the point of view of others;
-Not being aware that all the gifts and qualities you have are on loan;
-Not acknowledging that you are unworthy of all honour or esteem, even the ground you are treading on or the things you own;
-Mentioning yourself as an example in conversation;
-Speaking badly about yourself, so that they may form a good opinion of you, or contradict you;
-Making excuses when rebuked;
-Hiding some humiliating faults from your director (spiritual coach), so that he may not lose the good opinion he has of you;
-Hearing praise with satisfaction, or being glad that others have spoken well of you;
-Being hurt that others are held in greater esteem than you;
-Refusing to carry out menial tasks;
-Seeking or wanting to be singled out;
-Letting drop words of self-praise in conversation, or words that might show your honesty, your wit or skill, your professional prestige...;
-Being ashamed of not having certain possessions ..."
Basically, "humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less".
14th September 2015