Stubbornness is a characteristic in which an individual refuses to alter their view about something or a choice they’ve reached. Stubborn people are adamant about sticking to their views and beliefs. They also have a tremendous aversion to change, particularly when it is forced upon them by others. To know why the elderly seem to be more obstinate, we must first understand the causes, circumstances, and environments specific to the individual.
Miscommunication
A successful relationship relies heavily on communication. You interact with your loved ones not just with speech, but also with your body language and attitude. It might make things worse if you interact in a negative manner or respond with hostility when your parents don’t listen to your suggestions for their safety.
Ineffective communication leads to erroneous assumptions, the illusion of being able to read their minds, and a tendency to leap to conclusions. When you don’t know what’s going on with your folks, you could worry, fear, and be concerned, and that’s just a normal reaction. But remember that arguments tend to arise easily in such conditions, and you may believe your loved ones are just being unreasonable. It’s crucial to speak in the manner in which you’d like your family member to speak to you. Try the soft approach!
A Form of Identity
Folks who are stubborn are generally headstrong about their views, thoughts, and preferences. They can’t take it when people disagree with them since it indicates they’re not right, to begin with. They become so unyielding that they don’t even want to contemplate other people’s opinions since they are threatened by those who dispute their beliefs.
In some ways, this is a form of pain aversion. This type of stubbornness can stifle a person’s social development and negatively impact interpersonal communication with the people around them. Some individuals go even further by completely shunning those who argue with them in order to live in their sphere of emotions. Or perhaps it can be attributed to their strong sense of identity.
Desire to Maintain Independence
Independence provides elders with a feeling of purpose and losing it may be alienating. Some may believe that autonomy is the only thing they have control over and those who are self-reliant are more empowered and motivated to live fulfilling lives.
In fact, social scientists have discovered that older persons who give support had higher levels of happiness and holistic health. Receiving assistance, on the other hand, is linked to bad moods. After years of raising and guiding their children, it’s understandable that elderly people are hesitant to become reliant on them. Even if they accept it logically, reversing roles can be hard to bear.
If your parents seem to appear rigid and closed-minded, they can be tricky to deal with. Nevertheless, if you dive deeper and understand the true cause for their obstinacy, interacting with your folks will become much smoother. Remember that a stubborn individual despises being controlled. As a result, you should avoid giving the impression that you are in command. If you want to alter your loved one’s response, avoid appearing as dominant over them.
