Growing older invites a host of changes, including shifts in our relationships. Sometimes, this includes making tough choices, like distancing ourselves from certain friends or family members.
There’s a reason behind such drastic decisions. People who find themselves doing this usually display specific traits.
In this article, we’ll explore the seven traits that are commonly seen in individuals who tend to disown friends or family as they age. These insights might give you a better understanding of their choices and actions.
Let’s dive in.
Growing older often brings with it a greater sense of self-awareness. With years of experiences under their belt, people tend to know themselves better, including their likes, dislikes, and boundaries.
This heightened awareness often leads to a reevaluation of relationships. It could be that they realise certain friendships or family ties are no longer serving them positively. Or, it could be that these relationships are causing more harm than good.
The decision to disown isn’t made lightly. It’s a choice that comes from deep introspection and a strong desire for emotional well-being.
One of the first traits you’ll see in people who disown friends or family as they get older is an increased sense of self-awareness and a determination to protect their emotional space.
As we get older, we start to realize that mental health isn’t just a concept, but a crucial aspect of our well-being. I’ve seen it in myself and others around me.
Take my Uncle John, for example. He was always the life of the party, constantly surrounded by friends and family. But when he hit his 60s, he started to withdraw from his large social circle.
At first, we were worried. It seemed out of character for him. But when we asked him about it, he explained that he had started to value his peace of mind more than maintaining relationships that felt draining or toxic.
He had chosen to distance himself from certain friends and even some family members who were negatively impacting his mental health. It was a tough decision, but one he made to protect his peace of mind.
The second trait you’ll often find in people who disown friends or family as they age is a strong emphasis on their mental health. They understand that preserving their mental well-being sometimes requires letting go of harmful relationships.
People who disown friends or family as they get older often display a strong sense of independence. They are comfortable being alone and don’t rely on others for their happiness or fulfillment.
This sense of independence isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s usually cultivated over years of being self-reliant and confident in their own abilities.
In fact, a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people who display high levels of independence are more likely to make decisions that prioritize their well-being, even if it means breaking societal norms or expectations – such as disowning a friend or family member.
This strong sense of independence allows them to make difficult, but necessary decisions for their personal growth and happiness.
People who disown friends or family as they age often have a clear understanding of their values. They know what’s important to them and they’re not afraid to make decisions that align with these values, even if it means parting ways with loved ones.
This doesn’t mean they make decisions lightly. On the contrary, it’s a process that involves deep reflection and consideration. But at the end of the day, their personal values guide their choices.
For instance, if honesty and trust are at the top of their value list, they might choose to cut ties with a friend or family member who has repeatedly broken their trust. Their commitment to their values outweighs their desire to maintain the relationship.
A clear commitment to personal values is another trait commonly seen in individuals who disown friends or family as they get older.
Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage our own emotions, as well as empathize with the emotions of others. It’s a trait I’ve had to work on throughout my life, and I’ve noticed it’s particularly strong in individuals who disown friends or family as they age.
This might seem counterintuitive. After all, isn’t it more empathetic to maintain relationships, despite their flaws? However, high emotional intelligence also involves recognizing when a relationship is causing harm and needs to change or end.
I had a friend who I cared about deeply, but our relationship was fraught with misunderstanding and tension. Despite our best efforts, we kept falling into the same patterns of conflict. It was emotionally exhausting.
Eventually, I realized that for my own emotional well-being, and out of respect for both of us, we needed to part ways. It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. But it was also an act of emotional intelligence.
Therefore, high emotional intelligence is another common trait among those who disown friends or family as they age. They recognize the emotional patterns that aren’t serving them and make tough decisions accordingly.
People who disown friends or family as they get older are often characterized by bravery. Making tough decisions, especially ones that involve cutting ties with loved ones, requires a great deal of courage.
This is not the rash bravery of youth, but a more mature courage that is borne out of necessity and the desire for personal well-being. It comes from understanding that the path to happiness might involve making choices that others may not understand or agree with.
Such individuals are not afraid to face the potential backlash or loneliness that can come from such decisions. Their courage allows them to prioritize their needs and stand by their choices, no matter how difficult they may be.
Hence, another defining trait of people who disown friends or family as they age is the courage to make and stand by tough decisions.
Above all, those who disown friends or family as they get older are remarkably resilient. Change is never easy, especially when it involves letting go of familiar relationships. Yet, these individuals manage to navigate through the upheaval with strength and adaptability.
Resilience doesn’t mean they don’t feel the pain of loss or the fear of change. Rather, it involves acknowledging these emotions and then moving forward despite them. It’s about picking up the pieces and rebuilding a life that aligns better with their needs and values.
In essence, resilience is the key trait that empowers people to make difficult changes and thrive in their later years.
Life is a constant journey of self-discovery and growth, often laced with challenging decisions. Choosing to disown friends or family as we age is undoubtedly one of the toughest choices one can make.
Nevertheless, it’s essential to remember that these decisions are not taken lightly. They are deeply rooted in an individual’s quest for emotional well-being, driven by self-awareness, value-driven decisions, emotional intelligence, and resilience.
American psychoanalyst, Ethel S. Person once said, “Never underestimate people. They do desire the cut of truth.” Perhaps this encapsulates the essence of those who undertake this difficult journey.
As we strive to understand this complex human behavior, it’s crucial to approach with empathy and an open mind. After all, each person’s journey is unique, and their decisions are a reflection of their experiences and understanding of the world around them.
The post People who disown friends or family as they get older usually display these 7 specific traits appeared first on Small Business Bonfire.
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