What does it mean when somebody calls you an 'old soul'?

Question

I have heard the expression before but nobody has really explained to me what it means, and I didn't really care until one of my teachers called me that. I am assuming its a compliment since...being old means being wise and calm right...but can somebody give me a somewhat in depth explanation because I cannot decipher it myself...

Answer 1

Being an "old soul" just means you have a maturity level beyond your years.  It means even though you are young in age your personality is very grown up, mature, and intelligent.  You basically act more like an adult and you also think and understand things on a higher level than your peers.

Answer 2

That's the way i would take it, that you have a lot of wisdom because usually someone who is old has wisdom because he/she has experienced and learned many things. Hope it helps.

Answer 3

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?...

check out the best answer.  i thought it was pretty good.  don't pay attention to the others.

Answer 4

If you live in a different decade. I often get that because I'm obsessed with Janis Joplin and stoping the war.

Answer 5

When I hear that, an old soul to me seems like someone who enjoys or respect traditional ways. Or someone that can appreciate something we had from a long time ago.

Answer 6

I think the simplest answer explains it best. As quoted from the movie "Martian Child", it means that Old Souls have just figured it out. They are people that are still learning and struggling just like everyone else but they have a certain quiet understanding of how the world spins. Just roll with it yo'.

Answer 7

I have always been called an old soul, I was told by my grandparents that it was because I had wisdom of times past.  I tend to be drawn to older people vs people my own age as well.

Answer 8

It means you have wisdom and knowledge that most people do not have. Be proud of yourself if someone calls you an old soul.

You have the spark,use it to your advantage and create!!!

Answer 9

In my opinion, I think it means "kind" and "warm-hearted".

Answer 10

yeah- probably meant that they think you are wise beyond your years...  not in a book smart way, necessarily, but in your perspective of the the world around you... Don;t be afraid to ask...

Answer 11

It is a compliment. An old soul refers to someone wiser than their years. People who are considered old souls might have a depth or a sense of stability that peers their age haven't grown to possess yet. Or they may have a greater sense of responsibility regarding social issues than their peers.

I think the phrase comes from reincarnation- an old soul has been around for a long time and has experienced enough to gain great perspective and wisdom, even if the soul is currently in a young person's body.