When I look in the mirror, I see the years etched onto my face—and I’m okay with that—but some folks aren’t as accepting of their changing looks as they age.
As people age, it’s natural for priorities to shift, but letting go of pride in one’s appearance can often happen subtly, without conscious awareness.
This change isn’t just about looks—it reflects deeper habits and mindsets that may signal a loss of self-care or confidence.
While these habits often develop gradually, they can affect how you feel about yourself and how others perceive you.
Here are eight habits commonly displayed by people who stop taking pride in their appearance—and how recognizing them can help reclaim a sense of self-worth:
1) Their mirror becomes less of a friend
Growing old is not for the faint of heart—I’ll tell you that much.
As we age, our bodies change and it’s not always in ways we appreciate; wrinkles, gray hair, and a few extra pounds here and there, it’s a natural process we all go through.
But for some, the reflection staring back at them in the mirror becomes less of a friend and they start avoiding their own image, cutting down on time spent preening and perfecting their appearance.
It’s a subtle shift that happens gradually, so much so that they often don’t realize they’re doing it.
2) They feel that dressing up feels like a chore
Here’s a personal story for you: A few years ago, I had a close friend who always dressed to the nines and she was known for her stylish outfits and vibrant accessories but, as she grew older, I noticed a change.
Going shopping with her became less about finding the perfect outfit and more about finding the most comfortable one.
Dressing up for occasions started to feel more like a chore to her than an enjoyable activity.
She didn’t see it, of course, but it was clear to me that she was losing interest in maintaining her stylish persona.
It was subtle, but it’s a habit I’ve seen many times in those who stop taking pride in their appearance as they age.
3) Their personal grooming takes a backseat
People who gradually stop taking pride in their appearance often sideline their personal grooming routines.
Regular haircuts become less frequent, skincare routines are simplified or skipped altogether, and even the daily shave might become a thing of the past.
It’s not just a matter of time or convenience—research has shown that as we age, our sense of self-perception can shift.
We might not see ourselves as attractive or worthy of attention anymore, and this can lead to a decline in personal grooming.
4) They stop investing in new clothes
We’ve all been there—standing in front of our closet, staring at a sea of clothes, and yet feeling like we have nothing to wear.
However, for those who are gradually distancing themselves from their appearance, this feeling becomes more pronounced.
They stop investing in new clothes, start repeating outfits more often and sometimes resort to wearing clothes that are worn out or not in the best condition.
It’s not because they don’t have the money or the time, it’s just that they no longer see the value in projecting their best self through their clothing.
5) Their focus shifts from outward appearance to comfort
I remember when I used to spend hours deciding what to wear for a night out.
I was meticulous about matching my shoes with my bag, ensuring my hair was perfectly styled, and that my makeup was just right but, as I’ve grown older, I’ve noticed a shift in my priorities.
I still enjoy dressing up, don’t get me wrong, but comfort has become increasingly important to me—and I’m not alone in this!
Many people who stop taking pride in their appearance as they age experience this shift in priorities that differ from person to person.
These people prioritize comfort over style, choosing clothes that are easy to wear and require little thought.
It’s not that they’re lazy or don’t care—it’s just that their focus has shifted—and it’s okay.
6) They make less effort for special occasions
Here’s something you might not expect: Even when it comes to special occasions—birthdays, weddings, anniversaries—where people usually take extra care with their appearance, those who have stopped prioritizing their looks don’t step up their game.
You’d think that these events would be the exception.
After all, they’re often filled with photo ops and reunions with people we haven’t seen in a while—but no, they stick to their new norm of minimal effort.
It’s not about being disrespectful or uncaring, it’s just another sign of their changing relationship with their appearance.
It shows that they’re comfortable with who they are and how they look, regardless of the occasion.
7) They stop experimenting with their look
Remember the thrill of trying a new hairstyle or the excitement of stepping out in a bold, new outfit?
People who stop taking pride in their appearance as they age often lose this sense of adventure—sticking to what they know and stop experimenting with their look.
Their wardrobe, hairstyle, even their makeup routine become static.
It’s not an immediate switch, but a gradual change that happens over time.
They fall into a comfort zone and choose to stay there, letting go of the joy of trying something new and different.
8) They become indifferent to compliments
This is probably the most telling sign: Those who stop taking pride in their appearance as they age often become indifferent to compliments about their looks.
These people either brush them off or don’t believe them—like they’ve disconnected from their external self and no longer derive validation from it due to their dissatisfaction with their appearance.
It’s a poignant shift, signaling a deep-seated change in their self-perception.
People like them have moved beyond the realm of physical appearances, choosing to define themselves by other aspects of their personality and life.
Embracing change, embracing age
If you’ve journeyed with me this far, you might find yourself viewing others—or even yourself—in a new light.
Change is inevitable, and our relationship with our appearance is no exception.
With age, priorities shift, values evolve, and our self-perception transforms.
For many, stepping back from an emphasis on appearance doesn’t signal a loss of self-esteem but a redefinition of it—focusing less on the external and more on inner growth and fulfillment.
Beauty is much more than skin-deep—it’s about who we are, how we feel, and the impact we make on others.
The next time you notice someone displaying these habits, remember—they’re not letting themselves go.
They’re just embracing the beauty of age in their own unique way, and isn’t that something to celebrate?
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