What does it mean when a young person is considered as an 'old soul'?

Question

I hear this term almost all the time. And people tell me that I am one. I am 17.

Answer 1

I'd say that was a serious compliment to you. Obviously, you are not what people would consider a stereotypical teenager. Teenager-type behavior can be thoughtless, loud, careless, foul-mouthed, impulsive, etc. If you are polite, well-spoken, thoughtful, quiet...then you're an old soul in a young body. Good for you!

Answer 2

When I have heard "old soul" attributed to a younger person, it has generally been used to suggest that the person in question (even babies have garnered this expression) is calm, wise beyond his/her years. Especially with babies and toddlers, it suggests a one that tends to sit back and watch things go on as if completely understanding them and not being stressed or bothered by things that bother babies.

With children and teens, it very often is used to describe one that has comprehension of events around him/her or insight into events and the everyday that one would only expect of an individual that has more advanced age, and, therefore, many more experiences. For most people, wisdom comes from experiences -- good and bad -- and a young person considered to have or be "an old soul" has not typically had the number and types of experiences that would account for his/her wisdom or outlook on life.
(in order to find all references without reading the entire article, you can click on edit on the tool bar, click on FIND TEXT IN WEB PAGE, enter the string old soul and click FIND NEXT to find each instance and read the surrounding sentences. I noticed that a sentence in paragraph 4 is duplicated in a later paragrah.)

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Now, in continuing my internet search, I also discovered that there are those among us who theorize that an "old soul" is the result of multiple reincarnations: http://www.inthemist.org/forum/viewtopic.php?TopicID=2769&page=1

Hope I didn't go overboard, but I wanted to make sure you had plenty of info since it appears to mean more than just being wise beyond one's years.

Later,
Lee

Answer 3

It just means that you are wiser than most people your age. You might have traditional values that are reminiscent of generations past. Other times, it could mean that it's easier for you to relate to people who are older than you. Another way to look at it is that you like the music, style of dress, ideals and pass times of older generations.
{For example, the 60s had great music, a unique funky style of dress and was known for 'change the world' demonstrations and ideas.}

Answer 4

It usually means you have good old fashioned values and a way of thinking or that maybe you are behaving like an old person would. Either could be true, depending on your situation.

Answer 5

your age is young but in your soul you are as wise as an older person so thats how the saying came about

Answer 6

You are mature beyond your years.You do things in a way that is old fashioned or old school. Don't worry- it's a good thing. It means you have integrity and honor. Things that are usually lost in these times. Hold on to it and be proud.

Answer 7

wise above your years . i have a 16 age daughter,who is and old soul.

Answer 8

It means you are wise beyond your years. That possibly you lived a past life and are wiser because of it.

Answer 9

An old soul is someone who is wise beyond his years. Old souls are calm and thoughtful, relaxed and not hyper.

Answer 10

That you are wise beyond your years.