I have met people who are so defensive and suspicious of other beings because they feel there's something wrong with themselves. Often the only thing that's wrong with them is that they are so insecure. That makes them uncomfortable and therefore awkward, constantly analyzing the behavior of others with questions spinning around their heads. Is she talking about me? Why are they eyeing me like that - did I do something wrong? The answer is probably yes. When your staring at someone with your faced screwed up in wonder and a questioning look in your eyes that's getting defensive; the person will immediately stop what he/she's doing and start wondering what's wrong with you. Then, the person'll talk about it.
People are insecure for so many reasons but mostly, they're of the same nature. The real issue to analyze is that how do people project their insecurity?
Most get defensive, constantly paranoid, attacking people who happen to look in their direction. Others do nothing, in the fear they are doing something wrong. People become rigid and afraid to let go, scared that others in the crowd will make fun of them. They hide. They live in a little hole; afraid to be seen. Some people, especially teenagers, adopt a "don't care" attitude. That attitude also shields them from getting hurt.
I have noticed that so many people are insecure. Not just those shy kids in the corner. You'll come across a popular cheerleader, the captain of the sports team or even an authoritative boss who is insecure.
Insecurity can lead to so much - some things to disturbing to talk about but there's one thing for sure - people who are insecure need help. Although insecure people seem just fine on the surface, I am sure all of us can look a little deeper and see that there's something wrong. I don't think we have to go and counsel that person or anything but you can make the person's life a little bit easier. Just let them know that you don't hate them. You can also try being nicer to them. That's a difficult task because their defensiveness makes them annoy-ing but believe me, it helps them so they loosen up a bit and become easier to be around.