Women who become more difficult and cranky as they get older usually display these 7 behaviors, according to psychology

Ageing is a beautiful journey, but let’s face it, it can come with some rather challenging personality shifts. As we grow older, some women may become a bit more difficult and, dare I say, cranky.

This doesn’t happen out of the blue. Usually, there are telltale behaviors that signal this change. And psychology has something to say about it.

In this article, we’ll explore seven behaviors typically displayed by women who tend to become more difficult as they age.

These insights will not only help you understand these changes but also navigate through them with grace and compassion.

Remember, knowledge is power. So let’s delve into this together and make our golden years just that – truly golden.

1) Increased sensitivity to perceived slights

As women age, they tend to become more sensitive to perceived slights. This heightened sensitivity is not about being overly sensitive, but rather a reaction to accumulated life experiences.

This phenomenon has been studied by renowned psychologist Dr. Carl Jung, who once said, “Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.”

In essence, what may seem like crankiness could be a manifestation of these perceived slights and irritations.

It’s not necessarily about becoming difficult; it’s more about becoming more aware of the things that bother us and expressing our discomfort more openly.

So next time you notice a woman in your life becoming upset over what appears to be a minor issue, take a moment to consider what’s really going on beneath the surface.

2) Decreased tolerance for pretense

I’ve noticed in my own journey towards the golden years, a marked decrease in my tolerance for pretense. Be it fake friendships, hollow words, or superficial behavior, I find myself less willing to put up with them.

This is not just me being difficult. It’s about valuing authenticity and truth more as we age. This shift might come off as crankiness to some, but in reality, it’s a desire for genuine interactions.

Famed psychologist Dr. Brene Brown puts it perfectly when she says:

“Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It’s about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.”

So, if an older woman in your life seems less tolerant of pretense, remember it’s not about being difficult. It’s about striving for authenticity.

3) Desire for solitude

Ever wondered why some women seem to seek more alone time as they get older?

This behavior is often misinterpreted as being cranky or difficult. However, it’s more about a need for solitude. This desire to retreat from the hustle and bustle of life is not about alienation, but rather a way to recharge and reflect.

Famed psychologist Carl Jung once said, “Solitude is for me a fount of healing which makes my life worth living.”

As we age, we may find ourselves resonating more with these words. We realize that solitude can be a sanctuary where we reconnect with ourselves.

This behavior is not about growing difficult. It’s about seeking peace in the tranquility of our own company. So, the next time an older woman in your life seeks some alone time, understand that it’s her way of recharging.

4) Higher expectations of respect

As women age, they often develop higher expectations for respect. This is not about being high-handed or difficult, but rather a desire for their experiences and wisdom to be acknowledged.

A study found that older adults who felt they were respected by their younger counterparts were more likely to report better physical and mental health, as well as higher levels of happiness.

This research suggests that respect plays a significant role in the well-being of older adults.

So, when a woman appears cranky because she feels disrespected, it’s not about being difficult. It’s about seeking acknowledgment for her life experiences.

So next time an older woman in your life seems upset due to perceived lack of respect, remember it’s her way of seeking acknowledgment for her wisdom and experience.

5) Increased assertiveness

With age, I’ve noticed a shift in my own behavior – a tendency to be more assertive, to speak out and stand up for what I believe in.

This isn’t about being difficult or cranky, but about embracing the courage to express our thoughts and feelings more openly.

In the words of the renowned psychologist, Abraham Maslow, “In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety.”

As we age, we often choose growth over safety, even if it means appearing cranky to others.

So when an older woman in your life becomes more assertive and outspoken, understand it’s her stepping forward into growth. It’s not about being difficult, but about expressing her authentic self.

6) Embracing imperfections

Here’s something that might surprise you – as women age, they often become more comfortable with imperfections.

This isn’t about becoming difficult or cranky, but about accepting the realities of life and embracing ourselves, warts and all.

This acceptance might be misconstrued as being cranky or stubborn, especially when it means not conforming to societal expectations of perfection.

According to renowned psychologist Carl Rogers, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”

This acceptance of imperfections is not about being difficult, but about self-acceptance and personal growth.

So, when an older woman in your life seems to embrace her imperfections unapologetically, remember it’s not about being difficult. It’s about the courage to be genuine and authentic.

7) Value of time

As women age, they develop a deep appreciation for the value of time. This isn’t about being cranky or difficult, but about prioritizing what truly matters.

As psychologist William James said, “The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.”

This understanding of the finite nature of time often leads older women to choose thoughts and activities that bring joy and fulfillment, even if it means appearing cranky to others.

So, when an older woman in your life seems particular about where she invests her time, understand it’s not about being difficult. It’s her way of cherishing what she values most.

Final thoughts

Understanding the complexities of human behavior is an ongoing journey, one that becomes even more nuanced as we age.

The behaviors that might seem like signs of becoming difficult or cranky actually signal deeper transformations.

These changes, often misunderstood, are not about becoming difficult. They are about the pursuit of authenticity, respect, and personal growth.

They symbolize a woman’s journey towards self-acceptance and the courage to express her authentic self.

As we navigate our relationships with the older women in our lives, let’s remember to approach these behaviors with understanding and compassion. After all, each behavior is a chapter in their story of growth and wisdom.

So next time you encounter what seems like crankiness or difficulty, pause and reflect. Behind it might just be a tale of strength, authenticity, and a life well-lived.