People Who Still Do Things The Old-School, Honest Way Grew Up With These 11 Rare Principles
Rido | Shutterstock Everyone has their own way of doing things. Even if the people around them act or respond a certain way, people who still do things the old-school, honest way grew up with certain rare principles. From the way they speak to their loved ones to the way they present themselves at work, the lessons learned decades ago are still around in some ways.
It's not because they've refused to change; rather, these principles have served them well throughout life. They've clung to the valuable lessons that have been instilled in them by their parents, and have applied what they've learned. From their work ethic to standing their ground, these individuals are honest for a reason.
People who still do things the old-school, honest way grew up with these 11 rare principles
1. Your word is your contract
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Unfortunately, many people make promises they never intend to keep. Simply wanting to shut someone up, they'll promise the moon and deliver zero results for the sake of a little peace. And while they might think they're winning, never keeping one's word says more about you than the other person.
As wellness expert Michelle Gielan explained, "When we don't keep a promise to someone, it communicates to that person that we don't value him or her. We have chosen to put something else ahead of our commitment. Even when we break small promises, others learn that they cannot count on us. Tiny fissures develop in our relationships marked by broken promises."
2. Always treat everyone with respect and kindness
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People who still do things the old-school, honest way grew up with the rare principle of treating everyone with kindness and respect. Unfortunately, those values are hard to come by these days. People disrespect one another due to differences in opinion, and that level of humility and regard has gone out the window.
Thankfully, people who still do things the old-school, honest way understand that their actions speak louder than their words. Never wanting to cross a line or stir the pot, they do their best to keep the peace. While it may feel like a waste of time, it has helped their mental health tremendously.
As licensed counselor Gregory L. Jantz explained, "Toxic people can not only cause us tremendous grief and worry, but they can also impact the way we behave, creating undesired toxicity in our own behaviors." So, when in doubt, take the high road. Even if it's difficult, standing with grace wins in the end.
3. Take care of your own
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Family matters are complicated sometimes. From tension due to politics or uncooperative in-laws, it's no wonder that some people aren't close to their family. Someone has hurt them in some way, causing irreparable damage to their relationship.
But because they were taught to take care of their own, even if they feel disrespected or ignored, they will stand by and support them. When in need, people with these old-school beliefs show up for their loved ones. Even if it's hard, abandoning their family simply isn't an option.
4. Be grateful
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From the cost of living to working overtime with no breaks, many people feel as if they don't have much to be grateful for. And while it isn't always easy to express gratitude for the little things in life, especially when the bad outweighs the good, people who still find time to be grateful likely grew up learning old-school, honest values.
They understand the importance of seeing the bright side of things. No matter how difficult life may get, so long as people keep pushing forward, there's bound to be a light at the end of the tunnel. Not only does this line of thinking bring more peace, but it truly transforms their mentality for the better.
5. Don't waste what you're given
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There aren't a lot of chances in this lifetime. As much as people claim you can always start over again, some events have a time limit. You've got one life to live and only a certain number of years to make it happen. It may be difficult, but keep working hard and pushing forward.
People who think this way know they've got another chance to get things right, and it's important not to take it for granted. Whether it's accepting a scholarship or job opportunity, so long as they don't live with regret, they know they'll be fine.
As clinical psychologist Evan Parks explained, "If we don't learn to handle regret, it will disrupt our lives now and in the future. Regret can interfere with our ability to experience positive emotions, decision-making, and performance in everyday tasks."
6. Stand up for what's right, even when nobody else does
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People who still do things the old-school, honest way grew up with the rare principle of standing up for what's right, even if they're the only one doing so. Because as much as people think they're not bystanders, you have an obligation to defend those who cannot defend themselves.
Now, it may be uncomfortable to be the only person speaking out. But if there's one thing old-school people learned, it's that they're never really alone. Even if others struggle to speak up, there's someone who agrees with what they're saying. And as cliché as it sounds, it takes just one person to inspire others.
7. Finish what you started
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Running themselves dry by giving their all, some people don't have much energy to finish what they started, especially if they're experiencing burnout. Even so, old-school people are built differently. Filled with an impressive amount of discipline, they always finish what they start.
Of course, they don't want to waste too much time on a silly little project; however, if they've made a promise, they'll be seeing it through to the end. Maybe it's because one of their founding principles is hard work and commitment, but they can never sit idly by while their responsibilities are incomplete.
This is impressive as, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 52% of people experienced burnout from their job alone in 2024. So, if they still have energy and can get things done, they're more rare than they realize.
8. Speak less, do more
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Everyone wants to talk a big game; however, when it comes to backing up their actions, they're quick to fold. Whether that means ghosting someone or never keeping their promises, their actions don't align with their words. This is why old-school people don't say much.
Rather than promise the world, they take action and make it a reality. Of course, keeping their word isn't always that simple. From obstacles to chaos in life, not everything comes to fruition. But if they can, old-school people will always allow their actions to do the talking.
9. Respect your elders
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If there's one argument that stirs the pot, it's respecting the elders concept. While the older generation believes you should always show respect, younger generations aren't too fond of this way of thinking. Being hyper-individualistic, most believe that respect is earned, not given.
But people who still do things the old-school, honest way grew up with these rare principles. They show immense respect for their elders and prove it through action. Not only because of tradition, but also because of what many older people have to offer.
As anthropologist and professor Paul Stoller revealed, "We all have much to learn from listening to our elders. When they speak, stop what you're doing, clear your mind, listen deeply, and remember what they say. In time, you will remember some of their wise words, which are likely to steer you to fruitful and healthful destinations."
10. Don't burn bridges you might need later on
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If there's one thing some people love to do, it's burn bridges. It doesn't matter how toxic this mentality may be; in their eyes, they're simply doing what's best for their mental well-being. However, the more they burn bridges, the more lonelier they become, leading to less of a support system.
But for old-school individuals, whether they learned it from experience or from their parents, they understand that each connection is valuable in some way. Even if it doesn't feel that way now, each person brings something to the table. Whether it's a supportive hand or piece of knowledge, keeping these people in their circle is one of the best decisions they can make.
11. Never complain about hard work
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In an ideal world, each of us would have the money to retire early and live life to the fullest. However, most people are forced to work hard, causing a ton of stress and burnout in the long run. According to psychologist Sherrie Bourg Carter, signs of burnout include chronic fatigue, insomnia, cynicism, detachment, feelings of ineffectiveness, and poor productivity.
But old-school people don't complain. From a young age, they were taught the importance of working hard. They understand that no matter how tired they are, they need to keep pushing forward. And while it might have exhausted them, they know that hard work almost always pays off in the end, so why complain about it?
Marielisa Reyes is a writer with a bachelor's degree in psychology who covers self-help, relationships, career, family, and astrology topics.
