Why I Don’t Show Off: Insights from an 86-Year-Old

As someone who has reached the age of 86, I find myself reflecting on the concept of showing off. It is a trait that, for me, is not motivated by the desire to impress or to gain external validation. In my journey through life, I have found that true contentment comes from embracing one’s authentic self, without the need for outward exhibition or validation from others.

My Perspective on Showing Off

I never had a particular desire to dress in a flamboyant manner or to draw attention to myself. The primary reasons for my grooming routines, such as dressing elegantly and ensuring my hair and makeup are perfect, stem from a genuine interest in presenting my best self to the world. At times like these, when you must consider your image and appearance, who cares except you? This is a sentiment often echoed by individuals who prioritize their personal appearance for their own peace of mind, rather than expecting external approval.

The Vanity of Showing Off

Some people possess a natural inclination towards showing off their power, wealth, or knowledge in an attempt to gain admiration or recognition. However, if you are doing this out of a genuine desire to please others or for the sake of gaining praise, it might be worth reflecting on why these actions are important to you. If vanity plays a role, it is essential to acknowledge and perhaps curb it, for what you seek externally through these acts of exhibition can often be derived from deeper, personal contentment.

However, true showing off often stems from a deeper issue. It can be an attempt to fill a void, to feel superior, or to compensate for a lack of real achievements. If you find that you are doing it to feel more superior to others, it might be necessary to explore the underlying reasons behind your actions. Are you trying to mask insecurities or to project an image that does not align with your true self? If the show-off is a way to compensate for a lack of genuine accomplishments, it may be time to address these root issues head-on.

Responsibilities Over Show-Off

As one advances in life, responsibilities and real-world challenges tend to take precedence over superficial desires. Once you embrace the realities of life and its full responsibilities, showing off becomes a more complex and perhaps unnecessary task. In reality, the overwhelming majority of responsibilities—like financial stability, family responsibilities, and community service—detract from the extra effort and energy involved in showing off.

True Self-Interest: An Age-Insensitive Truth

Even in the face of such responsibilities, it is important to remain true to oneself. If anything you do still looks like showing off, it is not necessarily about seeking external validation but about meeting your personal needs. For me, the reasons behind any action or decision are rooted in my deep-seated interests and desires. If others care about it, that is their prerogative, but the motivation behind my actions remains genuine and self-driven.

Conclusion

The human desire to impress and gain recognition is a natural part of life, but it is important to question the motivations behind such actions. For someone of my age and experience, the desire to show off has diminished significantly. Any outward sign of self-presentation is driven by a genuine desire to remain true to oneself and to our internal values. More importantly, the weight of life's responsibilities and the acknowledgment of true self-interest make it more evident that true contentment lies within authentic expressions of ourselves.