Everyone wants to be liked, but popularity can sometimes feel like an elusive, mysterious code that only a select few crack.

You may observe that some people seem to become more popular as they age, attracting friends and admirers like a magnet as they get older.

But what makes them different?

Is it just the natural charm of age or is there something more about their behaviors that sets them apart?

After years of observation, conversations, and introspection on my own journey and those of my friends, I’ve compiled a list of 7 behaviors that are often displayed by individuals who grow more popular as they age.

Let’s get started. 

1) Embracing authenticity

The first behavior is perhaps the most important one – embracing authenticity.

As people age, they often become more comfortable in their own skin.

They stop trying too hard to fit into molds created by societal pressures and start appreciating their own unique quirks and idiosyncrasies.

People are drawn to authenticity.

It’s refreshing and comforting to be around someone who is genuinely themselves, without any pretense or facade.

The truth is, we all crave realness and authenticity in a world that often values superficiality.

2) Embracing solitude

This might seem counterintuitive at first – isn’t popularity about being social, having lots of friends and always being the life of the party?

Not necessarily.

People who grow more popular as they age often value their solitude.

They understand that being comfortable with oneself in solitude is a sign of personal growth and self-love.

In fact, these individuals often use their alone time to reflect, recharge and grow, which in turn makes them more interesting and attractive to others.

They are not desperate for company, but rather, they enjoy it when it’s meaningful and enriching.

3) Showing empathy

The third behavior that people who grow more popular as they age often exhibit is empathy.

Over the years, they’ve gathered a wealth of life experiences.

These experiences, both good and bad, have helped them understand a range of emotions and situations.

They can relate to people on a deeper level because they’ve been through their share of life’s ups and downs.

People are naturally drawn to those who show understanding and empathy.

It makes them feel seen, heard, and valued.

It fosters a sense of connection that goes beyond surface-level interactions.

4) Practicing gratitude

Believe it or not, gratitude is contagious. When you express appreciation, not only do you feel better, but you also uplift those around you.

It’s a simple yet powerful way to spread positivity and happiness.

Gratitude makes people feel valued and appreciated.

It fosters stronger relationships and creates a positive environment that people want to be a part of.

Interestingly, a simple “thank you” has been found to increase the likelihood of building better and more lasting relationships.

5) Confronting failures

In a world that is obsessed with success, admitting failure is seen as a sign of weakness.

But those who grow more popular with age understand that failure is not a dead-end, but a detour to a better direction.

They don’t shy away from talking about their mistakes, their wrong turns, their moments of doubt and despair.

They share their journey, warts and all.

This honesty creates a bond with others, who often see parts of their own struggles reflected back at them.

6) Limiting social media

In this digital age, it may seem like being constantly connected and active on social media is the key to popularity.

However, those who often become more popular as they age tend to limit their usage of social media.

Rather than seeking validation through likes and comments, they prefer real-life interactions and meaningful conversations.

They understand that while social media can help maintain connections, it’s the face-to-face interactions that truly deepen relationships.

These individuals value quality over quantity.

They may have fewer online friends or followers, but their real-life relationships are rich and fulfilling.

7) Continuous learning

The final behavior that is often seen in people who grow more popular as they age is a continuous desire to learn.

They understand that growth doesn’t stop at a certain age.

They are constantly seeking opportunities to learn new skills, acquire new knowledge, and broaden their horizons.

This lifelong pursuit of learning keeps them interesting and engaging.

Their love for learning also often extends to learning about people.

They show genuine interest in others’ experiences, stories, and viewpoints.

This curiosity and willingness to learn makes them a magnet for others.

Understanding the journey of growing popularity

By now you must have realized that becoming more popular as you age is not about grand gestures or dramatic personality shifts.

But why do these behaviors increase popularity as we age?

As we grow older, our understanding of what constitutes meaningful relationships also matures.

We start valuing depth over surface.

We appreciate authenticity over pretense.

We understand that it’s not about having a great number of friends but about having friends who truly understand and value us.

The behaviors we’ve discussed are not quick fixes but gradual changes that come with age, experience, and introspection.

They are the signs of personal growth and maturity.

And personal growth is attractive – it draws people to you.

It’s important to remember that popularity is not the ultimate goal, but a by-product of personal growth and genuine interactions.

It’s about creating a life that feels good on the inside and not just one that looks good on the outside.

Embracing your true nature

Becoming more popular as you age is not about changing who you are to fit in or to please others.

It’s about uncovering and embracing your authentic self.

It’s about acknowledging and accepting all parts of yourself – the good, the bad, and everything in between.

But to embrace your true nature, you first need to understand yourself.

You need to embark on a journey of self-discovery.

Get to know your strengths and weaknesses, your passions and fears, your dreams and aspirations.

Understand what makes you happy, what motivates you, what fulfills you.

This journey may not always be easy. There may be parts of yourself that you may not like or want to change.

But remember, it’s these imperfections that make you unique and human.

Growing popular as we age is less about people liking us, and more about us liking ourselves.

When we appreciate ourselves for who we truly are, others can’t help but do the same.