As I've gone through college, I've realized I'm not your average bar hopping, late-nighting, YOLO enthusiast. I relate more to an older way of life — I'm guilty of being an old soul and I love it. I enjoy staying in on the weekends, taking a longer look at things and being surrounded by warm hearts and genuine smiles. It wasn't something that I chose but more so something I gravitated toward.
Growing up in a small town with a small group of friends I was able to appreciate a slower pace than others. I spent many a long night on the porch of a close friend, soaking in good conversations, and listening to music our parents listened to growing up. I've always known I was an old soul at heart occupying a 21-year-old's body.
My good friend, Zach, and I have known for a very long time that this was our way of life. I haven't found many others like me, but I do know the signs of an old soul.
You like your quiet time.
You may pass on outings with friends to spend time by yourself. You enjoy soaking in the sounds around you that are sometimes drowned out by voices. This doesn't make you an introvert — you just like the sound of nothing sometimes. You also use your eyes to quietly observe those around you — the intimate conversation between two people or the very loud outfit that just walked by. People-watching may not be America's favorite pastime, but it's a close second.
You enjoy the taste of coffee.
Coffee, to me, is a warm welcome to a day, or a sweet ending to a night. I sometimes drink it to stay awake, but the taste and smell of a good cup of coffee cannot be replaced. Not having that cup of Joe in the morning doesn't start the day off well, and the typical old soul may get a little crabby without it. Coffee is a work of art that is appreciated differently by everyone: more sugar, less cream, whole milk. Nonetheless, you enjoy that coffee until the last drop.
You never skip over a Van Morrison song.
You often pass over the hip-hop or pop that comes on the radio and instead turn on the 60s or 70s station. They don't call them "oldies but goodies" for nothing. My favorite artists include Van Morrison, Cat Stevens and James Taylor — artists whose words make my heart smile. This music isn't something to twerk to but its something to enjoy with the people around you — it's a time machine back to the times you wish you were alive for.
You enjoy a quiet bar over a dance club.
On a regular basis, you turn down invites to go to the big city to dance under bright lights to loud music. Your heart lies in the quiet bar with low lighting and a one man band playing an acoustic guitar. You may be the youngest person there but you feel right at home. You may get a little wild and play a game of pool or darts, but that would be the climax of your night, and you're okay with that. If you could spend every Saturday night like that your heart would be content.
You're in bed by 10.
Naturally, you may wake up early — that means you're usually in bed pretty early, also. And there's no shame in your slumber game! You'd rather get a full night's rest and start the morning on the right foot than waste time after midnight.
It's hard to find a counterpart.
Old souls are a rare breed these days. Most people in their 20s are still looking to live every minute of their college lives to the fullest — going out every night, making whimsical decisions and running through life. But not you — you find joy in your quiet, dim nights with your record player soothing you by the fire. This may make it hard to find someone else who also appreciates these things. There isn't an online dating site for people in their 20s who act like they're in their 60s (though there should be). If you find someone who enjoys life at the same pace you do, it's something special — cherish them like you do all other aspects of life because you don't know how long they'll be there.
You have fun slow dancing.
"Fire and Rain" by James Taylor is one of my absolute favorite songs. If you haven't listened to it, it's a very emotional song that makes you want to love someone so deeply that you may never recover from it. But this song can also make for a very good slow dance. An old soul would rather spend their nights holding a loved one close, swaying to an old song than trying to score a free drink at a bar. This is where you really get to know someone — intimate moments like this that seem to last a lifetime.
You enjoy the simple things.
A thank you note you weren't expecting, a phone call on your birthday or a warm hug will make your day (or your week). The simple things are too often overlooked, but the old soul appreciates them. Because we see things at a slower pace than most, we have time to soak in the emotion in all things. The thought behind actions means more than anything and that's all that really matters to you. You'd rather get a sentimental gift over an expensive one any day.
To all of my old souls out there, stay true to yourself. Don't conform to the person others want you to be. You serve a special purpose in the world and to those around you. So keep listening to your old music, drinking your tea and enjoying the quiet sounds of life. For "we were born before the wind, also younger than the sun" for a reason — to be old souls at heart.
