If you want your loved ones to truly be proud of you, say goodbye to these 7 behaviors
Society likes to tell us that grand achievements and high-profile successes are the way to make our loved ones proud.
However, in reality, it more about the person you’ve become. It’s the small, everyday behaviors we exhibit that have the biggest impact on how others perceive us
In this article, we’ll uncover seven common behaviors that might be subtly sabotaging the pride your loved ones feel towards you.
By shifting away from these habits, you can build deeper connections and earn their respect in ways that go beyond mere accomplishments.
1) Lack of empathy
We’ve all been there.
Someone is pouring out their heart to us, and instead of truly listening, we’re busy formulating our response or, worse, judging their situation.
This lack of empathy can create a distance between us and our loved ones.
On the other hand, when you show genuine empathy, you connect with others on a deeper level. Psychology shows that empathy nurtures trust and respect – two crucial elements that make your loved ones truly proud of you.
So next time someone opens up to you, pause and listen. Really listen. Not just to their words, but the emotions behind them. This small change can make a big difference in how you relate with others and how they perceive you in return.
2) Being overly critical
I remember a time when I would constantly nitpick at everything. Whether it was a restaurant’s ambiance, a movie’s plot, or even a friend’s new haircut, I always had something critical to say.
In retrospect, I realize that my constant criticism was more about me than about the things or people I was criticizing. It was my way of asserting control and masking my insecurities.
But here’s what I learned.
Being overly critical can create a negative environment and can make your loved ones feel like they’re walking on eggshells around you.
Research supports this, as a 2022 study found that constant criticism causes increased emotional distance in a relationship.
Making a conscious effort to focus on the positive aspects and expressing appreciation more often can shift the energy around you.
This change in perspective not only improved my relationships but also made me a happier person overall.
3) Not taking responsibility
There was a time when, if something went wrong, my first instinct was to find someone or something to blame.
My car wouldn’t start? Must be the mechanic’s fault.
I didn’t meet a deadline? Well, the task was unrealistic anyway.
However, this constant shirking of responsibility wasn’t doing me any favors. In fact, it was pushing people away. And really, who could blame them?
The truth is, blaming others for our mistakes or misfortunes is the easy way out. It’s far more challenging to accept that we messed up or that things didn’t go our way.
When you start taking responsibility for your actions and their consequences, you show maturity and integrity. You demonstrate that you can own up to your mistakes and learn from them.
And these are qualities that make your loved ones respect and be truly proud of you.
4) Ignoring self-care
In a world where being busy is often equated with being successful, self-care can easily take a back seat. We might feel guilty for taking time off, or we might think there are more important things to attend to.
I’ve been there myself. Skipping meals, sleep, or exercise because I thought I couldn’t afford the time.
But all it did was leave me feeling drained, both physically and emotionally.
You see, the truth is neglecting self-care makes you less productive, less happy, and can even lead to health issues down the line.
But when you start prioritizing self-care and setting boundaries, you’re not just doing it for yourself. You’re also setting an example for your loved ones about the importance of taking care of one’s mental and physical health.
Believe me when I say that seeing you take care of yourself will make your loved ones genuinely proud. It shows strength, self-respect, and a deep sense of self-worth.
5) Avoiding difficult conversations
Did you know that on average, people spend nearly 37% of their time in meetings at work?
Yet, how many of these meetings involve having difficult conversations? Not many, I’d wager.
We often avoid difficult conversations because they’re uncomfortable. They can lead to conflict or hurt feelings. Instead, we choose silence or even dishonesty to maintain harmony.
But here’s where it gets interesting.
Avoiding difficult conversations doesn’t erase the problem. It only postpones it and often makes it worse.
On the other hand, engaging in these conversations demonstrates courage and respect for the other person. It shows that you value the relationship enough to address issues and work through them together.
So while it may be daunting to initiate these conversations, remember that doing so can actually strengthen your relationships. And when your loved ones see you stepping up and addressing issues head-on, they’ll feel a deep sense of pride in your growth and maturity.
6) Neglecting to express gratitude
In the busyness of our everyday lives, it’s easy to take our loved ones for granted.
We assume they know we appreciate them so we don’t make a point to express it enough.
I remember a time when I was so caught up in my own world that I failed to acknowledge the small acts of kindness from those around me. It wasn’t until a friend pointed it out that I realized how much I was missing.
Here’s what happened next.
I made a conscious effort to express gratitude more often.
Whether it was a simple thank you for a cup of coffee, or a heartfelt note appreciating someone’s support during tough times, each expression of gratitude made a difference.
The result?
Stronger relationships, and an unexpected bonus – I found myself feeling happier and more content.
It’s amazing how something as simple as expressing gratitude can have such a profound impact on our relationships and well-being. Your loved ones will not only feel valued, but they’ll also be incredibly proud of your kindness and thoughtfulness.
7) Living inauthentically
There’s no greater disservice we can do to ourselves and our loved ones than living inauthentically. Pretending to be someone we’re not or suppressing our true feelings and desires can be incredibly damaging.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to meet others’ expectations or conforming to societal norms.
But when we do this, we’re not only denying our true selves, we’re also denying our loved ones the opportunity to know and love us for who we truly are.
When you embrace your authentic self, you allow others to see the real you, with all your strengths and weaknesses.
There’s nothing more admirable and praiseworthy than being true to yourself. Your loved ones will feel a deep sense of pride in knowing that you have the courage and integrity to live authentically.
Final thoughts
While society often measures success by grand achievements, true pride from loved ones comes from the consistency and integrity of your everyday actions.
If you recognize any of these behaviors in your own life, don’t be hard on yourself. We’re all works in progress, and recognizing these patterns is the first step towards change.
By addressing and moving beyond these seven behaviors, you can foster deeper, more meaningful connections with those you care about.