If you don’t want to end up alone later in life, say goodbye to these 9 behaviors

Nobody wants to end up alone in their later years. It’s a fear that many of us carry deep down, even if we don’t talk about it.

Often, the things that push people away from us aren’t intentional, but are simply habits or behaviors we’ve picked up over the years.

And here’s the kicker: we might not even realize we’re doing them.

In this article, I’ll share 9 behaviors that could be sabotaging your relationships without you knowing it. Better yet, I’ll show you how to say goodbye to them for good.

Because if you want companionship in your later life, these are the behaviors you need to kick to the curb.

Let’s get started.

1) Being overly critical

No one likes to be around someone who is constantly negative and critical. It’s draining, and it can make people feel like they can never do anything right.

This habit can push people away, even if you don’t mean to do it. You might think you’re just being honest or straightforward, but there’s a difference between constructive criticism and being overly critical.

If you find yourself frequently finding fault with others, it might be time to take a step back and reassess. Try focusing on the positive aspects of people and situations, rather than always looking for what’s wrong.

No one’s perfect. We all have our flaws and shortcomings. But if we focus on those, we miss out on the wonderful things that make each of us unique.

2) Being a poor listener

I’m guilty of this one. I’ve been that person who’s so eager to share my own thoughts and opinions that I forget to truly listen to what the other person is saying.

There was a time when I was having a conversation with a close friend about a problem she was facing. Instead of really listening, I found myself planning my response and waiting for my turn to speak. It wasn’t until she pointed it out that I realized how much of a poor listener I had become.

Not listening properly can make people feel unheard and unvalued. It sends the message that their thoughts and feelings don’t matter as much as yours do.

I’ve learned that being a good listener isn’t just about keeping quiet while the other person talks, but really focusing on understanding their perspective. It’s about showing genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings.

Since then, I’ve put in the effort to improve my listening skills and it’s made a world of difference in my relationships. So if you’re guilty of this too, it’s time to say goodbye to being a poor listener.

3) Neglecting self-improvement

Continuous self-improvement is a key component of maintaining healthy relationships. People are attracted to those who strive to be better versions of themselves.

Interestingly, a study conducted by the University of Georgia found that partners who perceived their significant others as continually improving themselves reported higher relationship satisfaction.

This doesn’t mean you need to constantly be chasing after perfection or trying to change who you are fundamentally. Instead, it’s about recognizing your areas of growth and working on them for your own well-being and the well-being of your relationships.

Stagnation can lead to complacency in relationships, which can in turn lead to dissatisfaction and disconnection. So, if you want to avoid ending up alone later in life, it’s time to say goodbye to neglecting self-improvement.

4) Being unapologetic

We all make mistakes, it’s part of being human. But, the difference between those who maintain strong relationships and those who don’t often comes down to their ability to apologize.

An apology shows that you recognize your mistake and are taking steps to make amends. It shows that you care about the person you’ve wronged and are willing to take responsibility for your actions.

However, saying “I’m sorry” isn’t enough if your actions don’t change. A true apology is backed up by changed behavior.

Being unapologetic can damage relationships and push people away. It’s time to say goodbye to this behavior if you want to maintain healthy relationships in your life.

5) Prioritizing work over relationships

We all want to be successful and accomplish our goals. But when work becomes the only priority, relationships can suffer.

I remember a time when I was so engrossed in my career that I barely had time for my friends and family. The occasional missed dinner turned into weeks without meaningful interaction. Before I knew it, my relationships were strained and I felt increasingly isolated.

This is not to say that work isn’t important. It’s about finding a balance. After all, what’s the point of achieving success if you have no one to share it with?

If you find yourself constantly choosing work over your loved ones, it might be time to reassess. Remember, healthy relationships require time and effort. So, say goodbye to prioritizing work over relationships if you want to avoid ending up alone later in life.

6) Holding onto grudges

Holding onto grudges is like carrying a heavy weight around your heart. It doesn’t just affect you, but also the people around you.

Think about it. When you hold a grudge, you’re holding onto anger and resentment. You’re focusing on the past instead of the present. And that can make it hard to connect with people in a meaningful way.

Letting go of grudges isn’t about letting someone off the hook for their actions. It’s about freeing yourself from the burden of resentment. It’s about choosing to focus on the present and the future, rather than the past.

It’s not easy. But it’s necessary if you want to build and maintain strong relationships in your life.

7) Avoiding difficult conversations

I’ve been guilty of this one. Whenever a difficult topic came up, I’d change the subject or make a joke to lighten the mood. Anything to avoid conflict.

But avoiding difficult conversations isn’t a solution. It only pushes the problem under the rug, where it continues to grow.

One day, a friend confronted me about something I’d been avoiding. It was uncomfortable and I wanted to retreat into my shell. But I didn’t. We talked it out and it was one of the most liberating experiences of my life.

I realized that difficult conversations are necessary for growth and understanding. They allow for openness, honesty, and can even bring you closer to others.

8) Being overly dependent

Independence is attractive. Being overly dependent on others, however, can strain relationships.

It’s healthy to depend on others in times of need. We’re social creatures, after all. But if you constantly lean on others for emotional support or decision-making, it can become exhausting for them.

You might not even realize you’re doing it. It might just feel like you’re seeking advice or comfort. But if it’s a constant pattern, it can make the other person feel more like a caretaker than a friend or partner.

Cultivating your own independence isn’t just good for your relationships, it’s also important for your own self-esteem and happiness.

9) Not expressing gratitude

Gratitude is the cornerstone of any healthy relationship. It shows appreciation, love, and respect for the other person.

But sometimes, we get so caught up in our lives that we forget to express gratitude for the people around us.

If you don’t show appreciation for the people in your life, they may start to feel taken for granted. And that can push them away.

Make it a habit to express your gratitude. It doesn’t have to be grand gestures. A simple “thank you” or a sincere compliment can go a long way.

Final thoughts: It’s about connection

The late poet Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

At the end of the day, it’s not about what we accomplish or acquire. It’s about the relationships we build and nurture.

So as you move forward, consider how your behaviors might be impacting your connections with others. Commit to growth, change, and deeper connection.

You may just find that in saying goodbye to these behaviors, you’re saying hello to a life filled with richer relationships and less loneliness.