From a very young age, family, friends and strangers would always make remarks to my parents on how much older I acted for my age. Although I do have to contribute my well manners to my parents' excellent parenting skills, I argue that I was also born an "old soul." Even in elementary school, while young children were busy coloring and taking naps, I was befriending the substitutes and trying to explain what they were doing “wrong.”
The feeling is hard to explain. Personally, I feel like a 30-something-year-old trapped in a 20-something-year-old's body. By no means does this mean I’m rushing to grow up, I just often feel so out of touch with those my age.
An old soul is not to be confused with an elder or someone boring. Interests just stray from what the “young soul” finds fun. You look at the world through understanding eyes. It’s mostly like having a sense of maturity that differs from your peers. Most 20-something-year-olds want to party and be mischievous, while a cool museum trip or intellectual conversation is more appealing to me.
It’s not uncommon for me to be like a guidance counselor. There’s something comforting about an old soul that makes complete strangers feel comfortable venting to you or even asking for advice. Your thought process is as if you’ve already lived before. It’s not that you know it all, because you definitely don’t, but you have a good idea about how things will play out. The tendency to put others before you is the norm.
I often find beauty in the nature all around me. Call me corny, but I could hike and take picture for hours. Not for cliché Instagram likes but for the fact that I truly do value the world around me. From a young age, I always chose outdoor activities and productivity, while most parents were forcing their kids to leave their video games. For an old soul, appreciating everything around you comes so naturally; it's not forced.
You’re in no rush to follow the crowd. You are indeed a leader. While everyone’s laughing at Marie’s drunken pictures ending up all over Facebook, I’m more worried about her future bosses seeing them. That kind of “humor” doesn’t amuse me. I try my best not to be a buzz kill, but I’m always thinking about how people feel or how their actions can affect their future
Lastly, comes the assumption of "daddy issues." I can promise there are no daddy issues here. I was raised in the utmost proper way. I do often find myself falling for older men. It’s just with age comes compassion. They’ve gone through more than you, so the extra guidance and advice always comes in handy. They appreciate you and don’t take you for granted. Plus, the level of maturity is on a whole new level. When they’re upset, they tell you. They don’t usually tweet about it or give you the silent treatment. There’s a large amount of comfort to be felt when you’re with someone that has his or her life together. Financially stable and goal driven have never looked so desirable.
"Over time, I have learned that my old soul sees a part of itself in every person it meets. It has the ability to see through others’ eyes. With this lesson, I have achieved greater humility, compassion, and kindness towards all mankind." – Maya Deleon
Although being an old soul has it ups and downs, I feel fortunate to be able to see the world differently than most. If you ever feel disconnected with those around you, remember that you're not alone; there are more of us around than you think.
