If you want to feel more appreciated as you get older, say goodbye to these 9 habits

Getting older can sometimes feel like a thankless process, especially if you’re stuck in habits that leave you feeling unappreciated.

The thing is, as we age, we can unintentionally develop routines that hinder us from receiving the recognition we deserve.

Want to feel more valued as you age? Then it might be time to bid farewell to some of these habits.

Here are the nine routines to reevaluate if you want to harness appreciation as you grow older.

It’s never too late to make a positive change and start feeling more valued. So, let’s dive in and see what we can adjust!

1) Over-apologizing

Sorry, but it’s time to stop saying sorry so much.

Over-apologizing is a habit many of us slip into without even realizing it. It can stem from a desire to keep the peace or avoid confrontation. But, it can also make you feel undervalued and overlooked.

When we apologize for things that aren’t our fault or for simply existing, we send a message that our needs, opinions, and feelings are less important than those of others.

It’s key to remember that your feelings and thoughts are just as valid as anyone else’s. So, unless you’ve genuinely done something wrong, there’s no need to say sorry.

Breaking this habit can help others to appreciate you more because it shows that you value your own feelings and opinions. And when you respect yourself, others are more likely to do the same.

2) Neglecting self-care

Trust me, I’ve been there.

In my younger years, I was all about putting others before myself. It felt like the right thing to do. But as I aged, I realized that always putting others first left me feeling drained, unappreciated, and honestly, a bit resentful.

It took some time, but I learned that self-care isn’t selfish – it’s necessary. And when I started prioritizing it, everything changed.

I started with small changes like taking a few minutes each day to meditate or read a book. Gradually, I added more self-care activities into my routine. Not only did I start to feel better, but people around me started appreciating me more.

Why? Because when we care for ourselves, we show that we value ourselves. And when we value ourselves, others are more likely to value us too.

If you’re always putting others first at the expense of your own well-being, it may be time to say goodbye to this habit. You are important too. And the more you care for yourself, the more others will appreciate you.

3) Avoiding confrontation

Confrontation can be uncomfortable, and many of us avoid it like the plague. But did you know that avoiding confrontation can actually decrease your feelings of self-worth and appreciation?

When we sidestep conflicts, we often suppress our feelings and needs. Over time, this can lead to feelings of resentment and a sense that our needs don’t matter.

Facing confrontation head-on, while difficult, can lead to healthier relationships. It allows us to express our feelings and needs openly, leading to a greater understanding and appreciation from others.

If you’ve been shying away from conflict, it’s time to say goodbye to this habit. Remember, your thoughts and feelings are valid and deserve to be heard.

4) Accepting less than you deserve

Whether it’s settling for a less than satisfactory job or tolerating disrespectful behavior, accepting less than what we deserve can leave us feeling undervalued and unappreciated.

It’s important to know your worth and stand up for it. If you’re not happy with something in your life, you have every right to voice your concerns and seek improvement.

Saying goodbye to this habit isn’t always easy, but it’s necessary if you want to feel more appreciated.

You deserve respect and recognition just like everyone else. Don’t settle for anything less.

5) Not setting boundaries

Boundaries are essential for healthy relationships and self-respect. Without them, we can often feel taken advantage of and underappreciated.

Setting boundaries doesn’t mean being selfish or unkind. It means communicating clearly about what we need and expect from others.

When we establish clear boundaries, we are showing that we value our own time, energy, and well-being. And when people see us respecting ourselves, they are more likely to respect us too.

If you’ve been letting others overstep your boundaries, it’s time to say goodbye to this habit. Start setting those boundaries and watch as the appreciation from others begins to grow.

6) Not expressing gratitude

Gratitude is like a boomerang – the more you express it, the more it comes back to you.

When we take the time to appreciate the people and things in our lives, it not only makes us feel happier but also encourages others to appreciate us in return.

By expressing gratitude, we remind ourselves of our own value and worth. This can create a positive cycle of appreciation that improves our relationships and enhances our self-esteem.

If you’ve been holding back on expressing gratitude, it’s time to let go of this habit. Start sharing your appreciation openly and watch how it transforms your life.

7) Ignoring your passions

For years, I tucked away my love for painting, thinking it was an impractical hobby. But the more I denied myself this joy, the more unfulfilled and unappreciated I felt.

When I finally decided to embrace my passion and pick up the brush again, it was like a part of me came alive. And surprisingly, people around me began to appreciate me more too.

Following your passions gives you a sense of purpose and self-worth. It also shows others that you value yourself and your interests, which can lead them to value you more as well.

If you’ve been sidelining your passions, it’s time to rediscover what makes you happy. Don’t hesitate to follow your heart and do what you love. You’ll be surprised at how much more appreciated you feel when you do.

8) Always saying ‘yes’

It’s natural to want to help others and to be seen as reliable. But always saying ‘yes’ can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unappreciated.

When we constantly agree to things without considering our own needs and capacity, we can end up feeling exhausted and taken for granted.

Learning to say ‘no’ can be empowering. It shows that you value your own time and energy, which can lead others to appreciate you more.

It’s okay to prioritize your own needs. Say ‘no’ when you need to, and don’t feel guilty about it.

9) Undervaluing your own worth

This is perhaps the biggest habit to break if you want to feel more appreciated as you get older.

If you don’t value yourself, it’s hard for others to do so. When we undervalue our own worth, we tend to accept less than we deserve and overlook our own needs.

Recognizing your self-worth is the first step towards feeling more appreciated. It’s about understanding that you are valuable and deserving of respect, just as much as anyone else.

Start recognizing your worth, and you’ll notice a shift in how others perceive and appreciate you.

Final reflections: It’s all about self-respect

At the core of feeling more appreciated as you get older lies one vital concept – self-respect.

Self-respect is about recognizing your own worth and standing up for it. It’s about setting boundaries, expressing your needs, and valuing your own time and energy.

When we respect ourselves, others are more inclined to do the same. Our attitudes and behaviors towards ourselves set the tone for how others treat us.

So, if you’re feeling underappreciated, take a moment to reflect on these habits. Are any of them resonating with you? And if they are, remember that it’s never too late to make a change.

Bid farewell to these habits and embrace self-respect. Because the more you value yourself, the more others will too. Remember, appreciation starts from within. And you, my friend, are worth every bit of it.