As we age, our behaviors can make or break our likability. Some habits, no matter how ingrained, can drive people away instead of drawing them in.

Let’s face it, we all want to be liked. But to achieve this, there are certain behaviors we need to bid adieu.

Shedding these behaviors can significantly improve your likability factor, particularly in the later stages of life.

This article “If you want to be more likable in later life, say goodbye to these 9 behaviors” is your guide to understanding and eliminating those habits that may be hindering your charm. Let’s dive in, shall we?

1) Being judgmental

We’ve all been there. You meet someone new and instantly form an opinion about them based on their appearance, actions, or speech. It’s human nature to judge, but it can be detrimental to our likability.

As we age, this tendency to be judgmental can become even more pronounced. You’ve seen and experienced a lot, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that your way is the best way.

But here’s the thing: nobody likes being judged. It creates a barrier between people and hinders genuine relationships.

If you want to be more likable later in life, it’s time to wave goodbye to judgmental behavior. Remember, everyone is fighting their own battles and dealing with their own unique experiences.

By being open-minded and accepting, you’ll not only increase your likability but also broaden your own perspectives. It’s a win-win!

2) Holding onto grudges

I remember when I was younger, I would hold onto grudges like they were precious gems. If someone crossed me, I’d remember it for years. Over time, however, I realized this behavior was not only toxic but also made me less likable.

Here’s an example: Years ago, a friend of mine made a comment that really hurt me. Instead of addressing it directly, I held onto that grudge and let it fester. It affected our relationship and how I interacted with other people in our social circle.

But then, as I grew older and hopefully wiser, I made a conscious decision to let go of that grudge. When I did, I felt lighter and more at peace. Moreover, my relationships improved significantly.

Holding onto grudges as we age doesn’t serve us or those around us. If you want to be more likable in later life, learn to forgive and let go. It’s a challenging journey, but one that’s worth the effort.

3) Being a conversation hog

Did you know that, according to a study by Harvard psychologists, talking about ourselves—whether in a personal conversation or through social media platforms—triggers the same sensation of pleasure in the brain as food or money?

However, being a conversation hog can make you less likable as you age. Dominating conversations is a surefire way to make people feel unheard and unimportant. Everyone wants to feel valued and that their words matter.

So, instead of always sharing your stories and opinions, take the time to listen to what others have to say. Not only will this make you more likable, but it also gives you the opportunity to learn from others’ experiences and perspectives. Remember, conversation is a two-way street.

4) Negativity

Nobody enjoys being around a constant downer. As we age, it’s easy to fall into a pessimistic mindset. We’ve been through our fair share of hardships and disappointments, and it can color our outlook on life.

However, maintaining a negative attitude can significantly impact your likability. It’s draining for others to be around someone who always sees the glass as half empty.

If you want to be more likable later in life, try to cultivate a positive mindset. This doesn’t mean you have to be unrealistically optimistic or ignore life’s challenges. Rather, it’s about finding the silver lining and focusing on what’s going well.

Being positive is not just beneficial for your likability, but also for your overall well-being. After all, positivity attracts positivity!

5) Being inflexible

Flexibility isn’t just about being able to touch your toes. It’s also about being willing to adapt and change, whether it’s trying a new type of cuisine, picking up a new hobby, or changing your views on a long-held belief.

As we age, it’s easy to become set in our ways. But rigidity can make us difficult to be around. Nobody likes the person who always insists on having things their way.

If you want to be more likable later in life, embrace flexibility. Be open to new experiences, ideas, and people. This adaptability not only makes you more enjoyable to be around, but it also keeps life interesting and exciting. After all, variety is the spice of life!

6) Ignoring self-care

Self-care is not just a trendy buzzword. It’s a fundamental aspect of our overall well-being. But as we age, it’s easy to neglect ourselves, especially when we’re busy taking care of others.

Ignoring self-care, however, can have a negative impact on our likability. When we don’t take care of ourselves, it shows. We may become irritable, less patient, and less pleasant to be around.

But when we prioritize self-care – whether it’s taking a quiet walk in the park, indulging in a favorite hobby, or simply ensuring we get enough sleep – we not only feel better, but we also become better: better friends, better family members, better human beings.

So if you want to be more likable later in life, don’t forget to take care of yourself. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

7) Not expressing gratitude

There was a time when I would be so caught up in my own world that I forgot to express gratitude for the people and blessings in my life. I took things – and people – for granted, and it reflected in my relationships.

But then, I started a simple practice: each night, before going to bed, I would write down three things I was grateful for. It could be anything – a good meal, a friend’s kind gesture, or simply a beautiful sunset.

This small act of expressing gratitude transformed my outlook. It made me appreciate the little things and recognize the good in my life. More importantly, it made me a more likable person.

So, if you want to be more likable later in life, don’t forget to express your gratitude. A simple thank you can go a long way in making someone’s day and improving your relationships.

8) Being dismissive

We all have our own opinions and beliefs, and that’s what makes us unique. But being dismissive of others’ viewpoints can make us less likable.

Just because someone thinks differently doesn’t mean their opinion is invalid or unimportant. As we age, it’s crucial to respect differences and learn from them.

If you want to be more likable later in life, avoid being dismissive. Instead, be open to new perspectives. You don’t have to agree with everything someone says, but giving them the space to express themselves can improve your relationships and broaden your own understanding.

9) Not being authentic

The most important thing to remember if you want to be more likable later in life is to be yourself. Authenticity is magnetic. People are drawn to those who are genuine and true to themselves.

Pretending to be someone you’re not or hiding your true feelings and thoughts may work in the short term, but it can’t be sustained. And when the truth comes out, it can damage your relationships and your likability.

So, embrace who you are – quirks, strengths, flaws and all. When you’re genuine, people will appreciate you for who you truly are, making you not only more likable but also more content with yourself.

Final thoughts: Your behavior, your choice

At the end of the day, our behavior is a choice. It’s a reflection of our attitudes, beliefs, and values.

The desire to be liked is a universal human trait. But as we age, it’s not about pleasing everyone. It’s about being true to ourselves and treating others with kindness and respect.

Aristotle once said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.” The same applies to our behavior. If we want to be more likable, it’s not about one-off acts but rather the habits we cultivate over time.

So as you reflect on these nine behaviors to say goodbye to, remember that change is possible at any age. It’s never too late to become a better version of yourself.

And who knows? Taking these steps towards becoming more likable might not just improve your relationships with others – it could also lead to a deeper sense of self-love and acceptance.

After all, the journey towards likability begins with liking ourselves.