Popularity isn’t just for high school. As we age, it’s natural to crave connections and positive relationships. But, to achieve this, there are certain behaviors we need to let go of.

Growing older means maturing, not just physically but emotionally too. And part of that emotional maturity involves saying goodbye to habits that might be holding you back from being well-liked.

If you’re aiming to be popular as you age, pay attention to these 8 behaviors that could be standing in your way.

1) Obsessing over the past

As we age, it’s natural to look back on our lives. Reflecting on past experiences can bring wisdom, but obsessing over past mistakes or missed opportunities can hold us back.

Living in the past can make us appear stuck and unable to move forward. This behavior can deter people from wanting to connect with us as they may perceive us as negative or self-absorbed.

Remember, everyone has their own past and their own set of challenges. Continually talking about your past can make people feel like you’re not interested in them or the present moment.

Being popular and well-liked often requires being present and open to new experiences.

So if you want to be popular as you get older, it might be time to say goodbye to obsessing over the past.

2) Being judgmental

I’ll be the first to admit, I used to be quick to judge. I’d form opinions about people based on their appearance, their choices, or even their opinions. But over time, I’ve realized how this behavior was limiting my ability to connect with others.

People want to feel accepted and understood, not judged or criticized. The moment they sense judgement, they’re likely to close off and distance themselves.

I recall a time when I met a man who was covered in tattoos and piercings. Initially, I jumped to conclusions about his character based on his appearance. However, once we started talking, I realized that he was one of the most caring and interesting people I had ever met.

This encounter taught me a valuable lesson about the dangers of being judgmental.

3) Avoiding change

Change can be scary, no doubt about it. But as the saying goes, the only constant in life is change.

As we grow older, we might find ourselves resisting change and clinging to old ways of doing things. This can make us seem rigid and stuck in our ways, which can be off-putting to others.

On the other hand, embracing change shows that you’re adaptable and open-minded. It shows that you’re willing to learn, grow, and evolve, which are all attractive qualities.

So if you want to be popular as you age, consider saying goodbye to avoiding change. Instead, embrace new experiences, learn new things, and adapt to new situations.

It may be challenging at times, but it’s also a great way to keep life interesting and form connections with others.

4) Holding on to grudges

Let’s be honest, we’ve all been hurt by someone at some point in our lives. It’s a part of being human. But holding on to grudges and harboring resentment can have a negative impact on your relationships and overall popularity.

Grudges can make us seem bitter, unforgiving, and generally unpleasant to be around. They can also prevent us from forming new relationships because we’re too busy dwelling on past hurts.

On the flip side, forgiveness demonstrates emotional maturity and a capacity for empathy – both attractive qualities that can help increase your popularity.

5) Neglecting friendships

Friendships are the heart and soul of our lives – they bring joy, comfort, and meaning to our existence.

But as we get older, it’s easy to get caught up in work, family responsibilities, or other commitments and neglect our friendships.

But here’s the thing: strong, authentic friendships are one of the most attractive qualities a person can have. They show that you’re capable of maintaining long-term relationships, that you’re reliable, and that you value the people in your life.

If you want to be popular as you age, it’s important not just to make friends, but to keep them. Invest time and effort into nurturing your friendships. Stay in touch, show up for them in times of need, and celebrate their successes.

Friendships require effort, but the payoff is huge – not just in terms of popularity, but also for your own happiness and well-being. After all, there’s nothing quite like the bond of a good friend.

6) Being a poor listener

I remember a time when I would often find myself waiting for my turn to speak in a conversation, rather than truly listening to what the other person was saying.

I was so eager to share my thoughts and opinions that I failed to give the other person the attention and respect they deserved.

Over time, I realized that this behavior was not only rude, but it was also preventing me from forming meaningful connections with others. People want to feel heard and understood. When you listen attentively, you show them that you value their thoughts and feelings.

Being a good listener can make others feel valued and appreciated, which in turn can help boost your popularity. Plus, you might learn something new or gain a fresh perspective along the way.

7) Overstating your achievements

We all want to feel accomplished and proud of our achievements. And there’s nothing wrong with sharing your successes with others. However, continuously overstating or bragging about your achievements can come off as arrogance.

People appreciate humility and authenticity.

While it’s important to be confident, it’s equally important to stay grounded and genuine. Continually boasting about your achievements can create a barrier between you and others, making it hard for them to connect with you.

If you want to be popular as you get older, it might be worth saying goodbye to overstating your achievements.

Instead, let your actions speak louder than your words, and when you do talk about your accomplishments, do so in a modest, humble way.

8) Faking your personality

There’s no surer way to disconnect from others than by pretending to be someone you’re not. Authenticity is attractive, and people are naturally drawn to those who are true to themselves.

Being genuine means letting your true personality shine, even if it means revealing your quirks and flaws. It means being honest about your feelings and opinions, even when they differ from those around you.

When you’re true to yourself, you attract people who appreciate you for who you truly are. And these genuine connections are always more rewarding than those built on pretenses.

So if you want to be popular as you get older, the most crucial behavior to say goodbye to is faking your personality.

Embrace who you are, and let your true self shine. You might be surprised how many people appreciate the real you.

Popularity is about authenticity

The journey towards popularity as we age isn’t just about shedding certain behaviors. It goes deeper, touching the core of our identity.

It’s about authenticity – being true to ourselves and allowing others to see us as we truly are.

Authenticity builds trust, fosters connection, and draws people towards us.