Women who become more difficult and unpleasant as they age typically adopt these 7 habits (without truly realizing it)

The line between aging gracefully and becoming a difficult person can be quite thin—it all boils down to the habits one forms over time.

As people age, their habits and attitudes can significantly shape how others perceive and interact with them.

For some women, certain unintentional behaviors may lead to a more difficult and unpleasant demeanor over time.

These habits often develop subtly and can create distance in relationships, even if they aren’t intentional.

Here are seven habits women may adopt as they age that make them more difficult and unpleasant:

1) Constant complaining

Everyone encounters challenges and issues in life, it’s a universal truth—however, how we react to these problems defines us.

Unfortunately, some women as they age, develop a habit of constant complaining.

They may not realize it, but this can significantly impact how others perceive them.

This constant negativity can be about anything and everything – the weather, the traffic, or even the way their coffee was made.

Over time, this habit can make them appear more challenging and unpleasant to be around.

Why is this? Well, constant complaining tends to drain the energy of those around them—creating a negative atmosphere that people naturally want to avoid.

2) Resistance to change

Change is an inevitable part of life, but adapting to it is not always easy.

I experienced this first hand with my Aunt Marge: As she aged, she developed an intense resistance to any form of change—be it big or small.

I remember when we tried to introduce her to video calls as a way to stay connected during the pandemic lockdown.

It was a struggle!

She was so used to her traditional phone calls that she saw this new technology as an unnecessary complication rather than a helpful tool.

This resistance to change, I realized, didn’t just apply to technology.

It spilled over into her attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors—making her more rigid and difficult to interact with.

Unfortunately, Aunt Marge became increasingly isolated because of her unwillingness to adapt and it all stemmed from that one habit—resisting change.

3) Ignoring self-care

As we age, taking care of our physical and mental health becomes even more crucial, unfortunately some women tend to neglect self-care as they get older.

This can manifest in various ways—from skipping regular health check-ups to ignoring the need for proper rest and relaxation.

The result is often a decline in overall well-being, contributing to a more irritable and difficult demeanor.

According to the World Health Organization, mental disorders affect one in every eight people at some point in their lives—stress, anxiety, and depression are common ailments that can be exacerbated by ignoring self-care needs—and those numbers were from 2019!

4) Holding on to grudges

Holding on to past hurts and grudges is another habit that can turn women into difficult individuals as they age.

This habit of not letting go of past offenses can lead to bitterness and resentment, which can easily seep into their interactions with others.

Grudges can eat away at a person’s happiness and peace of mind over time as they create a constant negative loop in the mind, making it hard to enjoy the present moment or look forward to the future.

Letting go of grudges doesn’t mean forgetting about what happened or excusing harmful behavior—it’s about choosing to free oneself from the heavy burden of resentment for one’s own peace of mind.

5) Lack of empathy

Empathy is an essential part of human interaction because it allows us to understand and share the feelings of others, creating a sense of connection.

However, I confess I’ve seen firsthand how a lack of empathy can turn someone into a difficult person as they age.

A few years back, I had a tough conversation with my mother about her inability to understand my choices.

She had always been a loving parent but, as she aged, her lack of empathy towards my decisions made our relationship strained.

Instead of trying to understand my perspective, she would often dismiss my views outright.

This created a divide between us, making every conversation more challenging than it needed to be.

Empathy is not about agreeing with everyone all the time—it’s about understanding and respecting their feelings and perspectives.

6) Becoming overly critical

There’s a fine line between offering constructive criticism and being overly critical.

As some women age, they might cross this line without even realizing it.

Being overly critical can make interactions uncomfortable, creating an aura of negativity, and it can lead to others feeling judged and, as a result, avoiding conversations or interactions.

Critical comments can often stem from one’s own insecurities or dissatisfaction, so recognizing this is the first step towards change.

7) Isolation

Perhaps the most harmful habit some women adopt as they age is isolation.

Cutting oneself off from social interactions can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression, contributing to a more difficult and unpleasant demeanor.

Human beings are social creatures and we thrive on connections and interactions.

When we isolate ourselves, we miss out on the joy, learning, and support that come from being part of a community.

Whether it’s joining a book club, volunteering at a local charity, or simply catching up with friends over coffee, staying socially active is crucial for maintaining a pleasant disposition as we age.

Final thoughts: It’s about self-awareness

Human behavior is shaped by the interplay of experiences, interactions, and traits.

At its core lies self-awareness—the key to understanding and transforming our emotions and actions.

As we age, self-awareness can determine whether we grow more gracious or difficult; the seven habits we discussed aren’t fixed fates but patterns that can shift with effort.

Recognizing tendencies like holding grudges, resisting change, or isolating is the first step toward meaningful transformation.

And remember, it’s never too late to change.

As American author Maya Angelou once said, “I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.”

As we age, let’s strive to ‘do better’—for ourselves and for those around us!