If you want to feel more appreciated as you get older, say goodbye to these 8 behaviors

When someone compliments you, it makes you feel noticed.

When they thank you, you feel appreciated.

Simple, right?

But as we grow older, the need for genuine appreciation deepens.

It’s no longer about the surface-level praise or quick gestures.

It’s about being seen for who you truly are and knowing your worth beyond just words.

To experience that deeper sense of being valued, there are eight behaviors that may be holding you back.

Letting go of them can transform how you’re appreciated as you evolve in life.

Let’s explore them together, and trust me, this shift will change how you feel—inside and out.

1) Chasing validation

As we age, there’s a tendency to seek validation from others.

We want to be told we’re still relevant, still valuable, still attractive.

But here’s the thing – that’s exhausting. And it can leave you feeling unappreciated when the validation doesn’t come.

So, what do we do?

We stop chasing. We start realizing that our worth isn’t determined by what others think of us. It’s internal, it comes from within us.

When we stop seeking validation externally, something magical happens: we start appreciating ourselves.

And when we appreciate ourselves, others follow suit.

Why? Because self-appreciation is contagious. When we value ourselves, others see it and they can’t help but appreciate us more too.

2) Comparing yourself to others

I used to be the queen of comparison.

I’d look at my friends, my neighbors, even strangers on the street, and think, “Why can’t I have what they have? Why can’t I look like them or be as successful as them?”

It was draining. It made me feel unappreciated, as if what I was doing or who I was wasn’t good enough.

One day, it hit me: comparison is the thief of joy.

It wasn’t doing me any good; it was only making me feel less appreciated and more miserable.

So, I made a conscious decision to stop.

To focus on my own journey instead of comparing it to someone else’s. And you know what? It was liberating.

I felt more appreciated not because others were suddenly showering me with compliments, but because I started appreciating myself more.

My achievements, my growth, my uniqueness – they became my focus.

3) Holding onto grudges

Did you know elephants have been known to hold grudges for years? It’s a fascinating fact about these majestic creatures. But, here’s the thing – we’re not elephants.

Holding onto grudges, past slights, or hurtful comments can create a barrier that prevents appreciation from reaching us.

It’s like a wall, stopping positive feelings from getting in.

When we let go of these grudges, we’re not just forgiving others; we’re also creating space for ourselves to feel more appreciated.

It’s like opening a window and letting in fresh air.

4) Being a people pleaser

As humans, we naturally want to be liked. We want to fit in, to be part of the group.

But when this desire turns us into a people pleaser, it becomes a problem.

Being a people pleaser means constantly putting others’ needs above our own.

It’s like running on a treadmill, always on the move but never getting anywhere.

The thing about being a people pleaser is that it doesn’t actually lead to genuine appreciation.

Sure, people might like you because you always say yes, but that’s not the same as feeling valued for who you truly are.

Start saying no when you need to. Stand up for yourself.

You’ll find that not only will you feel more appreciated for being authentic, but you’ll also respect yourself more. It’s a win-win situation.

5) Avoiding vulnerability

I used to think that being strong meant never showing vulnerability.

I’d put on a brave face, never letting anyone see if I was struggling or hurting.

But over time, I realized that avoiding vulnerability didn’t make me feel more appreciated.

Instead, it left me feeling isolated and misunderstood.

When I finally let my guard down and allowed myself to be vulnerable, something unexpected happened – I felt more appreciated.

People saw the real me, not the facade I’d been putting up.

They appreciated my honesty, my courage, and my authenticity.

Avoiding vulnerability might seem like a safe option, but it can actually prevent us from feeling truly valued.

Let’s embrace our vulnerabilities instead. It makes us human and more relatable.

6) Always being busy

In our fast-paced world, being busy is often seen as a badge of honor.

We’re constantly chasing deadlines, juggling responsibilities, and trying to squeeze more into our days.

But here’s the twist: being perpetually busy can actually make us feel less appreciated. Why?

Because when we’re always rushing, we don’t have time to pause and appreciate the value we bring to the world. And if we don’t value ourselves, how can we expect others to?

Slowing down, taking time for ourselves, and consciously recognizing our own worth – these are crucial steps towards feeling more appreciated as we get older.

So, let’s put down that ‘busy badge’ and pick up the ‘self-appreciation’ one instead.

7) Overlooking self-care

It’s easy to fall into the trap of prioritizing everything and everyone else over ourselves.

But if we constantly neglect our own needs, it’s hard to feel truly appreciated.

Self-care isn’t just about indulging in a spa day or treating yourself to a shopping spree.

It’s about taking time to nourish your body, mind, and spirit.

It’s about setting boundaries and respecting your own needs.

When we take care of ourselves, we’re sending a message that we’re important.

This not only boosts our self-esteem but also helps us feel more appreciated by others.

8) Ignoring your accomplishments

As we go through life, it’s easy to focus on our failures, our mistakes, and our missed opportunities.

But doing so only serves to diminish our sense of self-worth.

Acknowledging and celebrating your accomplishments, no matter how small, is a powerful way of fostering self-appreciation.

Each success is a testament to your abilities, your determination, and your value.

Don’t brush your achievements under the carpet. Give them the recognition they deserve.

This not only makes you feel more accomplished but also makes others appreciate your capabilities more.

You’ve earned your achievements. Don’t ignore them; highlight them.

It’s the key to feeling more appreciated as you get older.

Embracing the journey of self-appreciation

If you’ve read this far, you’ve taken a crucial step towards embracing a journey of self-appreciation.

As the great Maya Angelou once said, “You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody.”

Take these words to heart.

As you let go of these 8 behaviors, remember—you are enough just as you are.

Feeling appreciated begins with appreciating yourself.

It’s not about seeking external validation but nurturing your own sense of worth.

Recognize your strengths, embrace your vulnerabilities, and release what no longer serves you.

May this journey be one of growth and self-discovery, where you uncover the gift of self-value.

When you truly appreciate yourself, the world reflects that back—and that’s a beautiful thing.