Bored Panda works better on our iPhone app

Continue in app Continue in browser

30 Things Immature People Think Are “Signs Of Maturity”

ADVERTISEMENT

“You’re so mature for your age.”

I remember being told this so many times when I was a teenager. I took it as a compliment from older coworkers who meant that I fit in with the adults, but from my peers, this sentence stung. I knew coming from them it meant, "Lighten up, have some fun.”

While we all aim to be mature, we don’t all fully understand what that means. To a teenager frustrated with the rules and regulations of living with their parents, maturity might mean going to parties, using curse words and beginning to experiment with alcohol. To others, it might mean landing a job with a steady income, so they can fully support themselves and invest in a home. But the thing about maturity is that it does not magically appear with age or children or financial stability.

Recently, Reddit user CrispP_bacon started a conversation asking people to share things that are often perceived as false signs of maturity, and many readers shared their opinions in the replies. We’ve gathered some of the most honest and thought-provoking responses down below, so you can read them and decide if your idea of “maturity” has shifted. Be sure to upvote the replies you agree with, and feel free to share your own thoughts in the comments below. Keep reading to also find interviews we were lucky enough to receive from Vanessa Frazer, LCSW, of Modern Therapy, and Hanan Parvez, the man behind PsychMechanics, to hear his thoughts on the topic. Then if you’re interested in reading another Bored Panda article examining what it’s really like to be an adult, check out this story next.

This post may include affiliate links.

#1

30 Things Immature People Think Are "Signs Of Maturity" As someone who was tormented by parents and bullied at school.

People think that i 'built character ' and got matured due to my sufferings..

All that happened that i lost my childhood and i gained nothing other than PTSD, anxiety, lack of recognising character, being friendless..

No ,you can't become mature just because you had a tough childhood

Indianfattie , Gianfranco Grenar Report

Final score:

249points

Jan Rosier 2 years ago

Whenever i hear people stating 'What does not kill you makes you stronger', I reply 'tell that to a person who lost a leg in a car accident'... usually gets them thinking.

85points

View More Replies...

View more comments

To learn more about the idea of maturity, we reached out to Modern Therapist's clinician Vanessa Frazer, LCSW. Modern Therapy is a group mental health practice that offers online talk therapy, coaching, mental health courses, and business services, and Vanessa works there exclusively as a talk therapist. When asked what maturity means to her, she told Bored Panda, “Maturity means being physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually developed. This occurs over the course of one’s lifetime and requires a high level of self-awareness,” Vanessa explained. “Mental, emotional and spiritual maturity is an ongoing process that requires an open mind & a willingness to learn. It involves engaging in a state of deep reflection to understand who you are. We need to continually grow and evolve in all areas of our life in order to gain true maturity.”

ADVERTISEMENT

We also asked Vanessa about things that are often falsely perceived as maturity. “Society often dictates what maturity means, in the sense of accomplishing adult goals,” she said. “Therefore, people often falsely equate completing high school or college, becoming established in a career, getting married, having children and becoming financially stable as signs of maturity. Although these are accomplishments to be celebrated, they do not equal maturity.”

#2

30 Things Immature People Think Are "Signs Of Maturity" When I was ten, I read fairy tales in secret and would have been ashamed if I had been found doing so. Now that I am fifty, I read them openly. When I became a man I put away childish things, including the fear of childishness and the desire to be very grown up.' - C S Lewis

"True adults are secure in their love for whatever they love - be it action figures , fairy tales , video games .Those who ridicule these people for their interests are actually the childish ones

chriscrossnathaniel , Porapak Apichodilok Report

Final score:

232points

DrBronxx 2 years ago

That last sentence of the CS Lewis quote is one of my favourites. It's also a strange source of pride that it comes from another Belfast man.

45points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#3

30 Things Immature People Think Are "Signs Of Maturity" I need folk to understand working 60+ hours, and being proud isn’t the flex they think it is…

The_Reborn_Forge , Andrea Piacquadio Report

Final score:

213points

Nea 2 years ago

Thats glorified slavery, lets not celebrate it. Spend time with family, friends, yourselves and be proud of it

78points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

“I always believed that once we hit a certain age, life falls into place & maturity soon follows. What I’ve realized is that age has nothing to do with maturity,” Vanessa shared. "Your own self-awareness, confidence, sound decision making skills, judgment and ability to examine your own inner self is what leads to maturity and growth.”

“People tend to assume that achieving a level of success or behaving in a certain manner is a sign of maturity. This is not necessarily true,” Vanessa went on to say. “Achieving success is an accomplishment, but does not indicate that someone is mentally or emotionally mature. It’s possible that a CEO of a very successful company is immature in nature, but has figured out a way to climb the proverbial ladder to obtain success."

"This can be confusing because the CEO is financially successful, however emotionally, mentally & spiritually they may be lacking," Vanessa noted. "It’s important to remember that career success does not equate to maturity. Real maturity is defined by your relationship with yourself & others, your capacity and willingness to grow and ability to examine yourself to make positive personal changes.”

#4

30 Things Immature People Think Are "Signs Of Maturity" I was dating a girl recently, and I showed her my PSP. I have it since 2007, original battery and everything, and I play PSX games from time to time. When I showed it to her she said 'What are you, 12?'"

"I felt very small and childish. But maybe I shouldn't have. Thank fully we are not dating anymore."

gin-o-cide , Ron Lach Report

Final score:

201points

Lula Leigh Fae 2 years ago

What a cruel thing to say! He was obviously proud of that and she ridiculed him. I'm a 41 year old woman that still has a Nintendo ds and my switch is my favourite thing. People that ridicule things that others are proud of are scum and cause those people to be embarrassed to enjoy their hobby / interest

78points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#5

30 Things Immature People Think Are "Signs Of Maturity" Having toxic positive outlook towards life.
saying things like “there’s always somebody with a worse problem thans yours”
YES i know that but that doesn’t make my sadness any less painful.
I hate it when people try to compare the depth of issues. If X is drowning in a lake and Y is drowning in an ocean, they’re both still drowning!! stop comparing problems!

Bale449 , fauxels Report

Final score:

200points

GirlFriday 2 years ago

My therapist once told me "Just because someone's ankle is broken doesn't mean yours isn't sprained. You should seek help when you need it." That stuck with me because I don't often ask for help because others may need more help for bigger issues.

15points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#6

30 Things Immature People Think Are "Signs Of Maturity" Boobs. Some girls start developing early and a frightening amount of men think it's fine to hit on "young women" aka girls as young as 9 years old as soon as they show even the tiniest hint of breast development because "she's grown now".

No, boobs are not necessarily a sign of maturity, you are just being a creep towards minors.

ScreechingString , Isi Parente Report

Final score:

197points

Tracy Wallick 2 years ago

Ask any woman when she was first catcalled or sexually harassed. You will not like the answers you get. (For me, I was 12 when a truck full of adult men hollered and catcalled at me out the windows. And I was very clearly NOT an adult.)

95points

Lace Neil 2 years ago

I was eleven. My brothers beat the guy up.

41points

Load More Replies...

Baali Venomax 2 years ago

I learned from a very young age(started developing at 9, first bra at 10), how to respond with rude hand gestures and walk away totally uninterested in their immature behaviour. Its easy of course when you're ace, because you don't have any weird urges towards their attitude and you don't feel scared because you don't really know what's going on. I remember being with a friend around the 10 marker(its an unusual memory because I didnt really have friends for long as a kid, they hung around a while, decided *you're too weird* and left after a bit) in a park, on a hot day and this guy turned up with a long trenchcoat. I kept thinking, isn't he hot in that? Then of course he flashes us. My friend screamed and covered her eyes. I laughed. I didn't know what I was looking at, we hadn't had sex ed yet(that happened at 13) so I pointed and went: Look an extra belly button. His face went scarlet with I guess embaressment then ran away. I couldn't stop laughing. My innocence actually saved me.

22points

Upstaged75 2 years ago

I was 12 when I started being harassed by 2 boys in my gym class. It had a very bad effect on me and I ended up in therapy feeling awful about myself. One of those boys bullied me until we graduated from high school. Now he's a divorced alcoholic who's not allowed to see his kids. I have 0% sympathy for him. Karma's a female dog!

17points

GirlFriday 2 years ago

I was 11. I developed early. There was a 22 year old at the grocery store in town that always used to grab me and make horrible comments to me when I would go in there. He was a creep and he knew how old I was.

14points

KING ILLEGAL FOREST 2 years ago

I was 11. One of those girls who seemed to grow giant boobs overnight. Everything else about me looked even younger than I was. Men are gross.

8points

sylvantic 2 years ago

Not sure if this counts but when I was 11 a boy repeatedly would grab me in weird areas (upper thigh, side boob, etc) and I’m still not sure if it was accidental or not.

7points

Sardonyx_3 2 years ago

I was ten. I naturally have a big chest. As soon as I get enough, I'm cutting these back breakers off :)

6points

Cara G 2 years ago

Catcalling, I was 11 standing outside the dance studio on picture day in my costume with my mother. Being sexually harassed, I was 9 and it was my friend's stepfather who thought my little girl legs looked cold (I was wearing a skirt) so he decided to place his giant man hands on them and rub them. In front of my friend AND her mother.

5points

Metaniel 2 years ago

I was 10. Some students (20/21 y.o.) were saying many nasty things they would do with my bottom

3points

Jeweled Dragon 2 years ago

I was 12. They tried to get me to get in their truck. I thought that I was about to be kidnapped.

2points

Anne McKinney 2 years ago

My granddaughter got boobs very early. BIG ones. I would catch men looking at her and LOUDLY call them out. How dare they!!???!!

1point

Robin Rush 1 year ago

I’m sad to say I think I was 10-11. Still in middle school for sure. Disgusting!

0points

Stolas 2 years ago

9

0points

Sent From The Slytherin House 2 years ago

sorry i didn't mean to post that twice

0points

Channon Doughty 2 years ago

Me too

0points

Sent From The Slytherin House 2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Channon Doughty 2 years ago

Not a creep. A sexual predator.

10points

Rostit . 2 years ago

No real man thinks that way. Only creepy pedos.

8points

DrGirlfriend 2 years ago

When I was growing up the adults that took advantage of me said sht like if it's old enough to bleed it's old enough for me ect....I spent so much time ashamed of what they did, because it still feels like I did something wrong

7points

Jp@nda 2 years ago

You need to hear that you did absolutely nothing wrong. You did nothing to provoke, ask for, or deserve that. You were abused when you should have been protected by the adults around you. You are not alone and I hope for your happiness that you look into talking to someone about that time. It's time to take your voice back. Sending love and strength 🤗

11points

Load More Replies...

Mrs. EW 2 years ago

Not just boobs, but also maturing early. I haven’t grown an inch since I was 12. At 11, I looked like I was 18. I dont have large breasts, by any means. But catcalling started with me around age 10. When camping as an adolescent with my family, my dad had to inform a grown man commenting on me, that I was only 11 and his daughter. Just because I looked older, did not at all mean I wasn’t still just a young girl.

7points

Thomas Ewing 2 years ago

When the 11-year-old looks and ACTS 18, that's when older men need to watch out.

0points

Load More Replies...

Michael Largey 2 years ago (edited)

And if an adult woman is flat-chested, that's not a sign of immaturity - or anything else.

7points

Mattie 2 years ago

It's like when we tell girls who got their period for the first time, "you're a woman, now". No they're not! They're 11, sometimes even just 9 years old, they haven't even reached middle school!

6points

Scipio Africanus 2 years ago

Boobs are physical development not mental development

6points

Zwiebel Suppe 2 years ago

That's also a very annoying movie and literature trope: The girl with the biggest boobs is also magically the most sexually experienced, the most flirty, and the one with the most knowledge about sex. Male gaze and stuff.

3points

Celtic Pirate Queen 2 years ago

Amen!. I "matured" early as well. In 6th grade my measurements were 36/28/36. Yeah, having grown men stare at your boobs when you're ELEVEN is creepy AF.

1point

Lena Flising 2 months ago

"She's ovulating now, she's ready to be a mom!" Er, most definitely not! Number one, her hips are probably not wide enough yet to give birth. Number two, her brain is not mature enough to care for and raise a child yet. The brain isn't fully developed until age 25-30. Number three, she's not old enough to give informed consent yet, she doesn't know all the consequences of having s*x, having a child, even just smiling at an older teenager or a young man.

0points

Kay Christensen 2 years ago

So true. Most men are boob obsessed. If men had boobs they'd never get anything done except them playing with their boobs & giving the other guys tips on how to best play with their own set.

0points

Rylosalex 2 years ago (edited)

Yuck!

0points

roses are red 2 years ago

I was ten, a year 12, final senior year at school...creep

0points

Diana Pahule 2 years ago (edited)

There were creepy males as early as 8, none of us had boobs yet. And it wasn't just catcalling.

0points

Marnie 2 years ago

This is especially true since there is something very wrong that girls are getting their periods so young. They shouldn't get it until 15, 16, 17 years old, but we think 12 or 13 is "normal" now. At 9, clearly there is something terribly, terribly wrong. Traditionally, girls don't get it until late teens and don't get married or start having babies until early-to-mid 20s.

-1point

Sent From The Slytherin House 2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Horst 2 years ago

I read your username and it made your comment make a tiny bit more sense

4points

Load More Replies...

View More Replies...

View more comments

We also asked Vanessa how people can become more mature without feeling pressured to do the things society perceives as mature. "In order to become more mature, the best thing that anyone can do is learn who they are as a human," Vanessa told Bored Panda. "Find your identity and embrace it! Learn to love yourself so you can share your love with others. Identify your strengths and weaknesses and then use your strengths to your advantage. Learn to be independent but also acknowledge that at certain times in life, you will need help. Become your biggest advocate and act assertively to ensure that your needs are met."

ADVERTISEMENT

"Don’t give in to peer pressure, and be aware that social media is a fake reality that you should not compare yourself to. Engage in healthy relationships with boundaries and effective communication skills. Be open to constructive feedback and view it as an opportunity to grow. Learn to understand your emotional triggers so you can process and express feelings in a healthy manner. It’s important to take accountability for yourself, acknowledge mistakes and learn from them. Most of all, live authentically and be true to yourself and maturity will follow."

If you would like to gain more wisdom from Vanessa or any of the team at Modern Therapy, be sure to visit their website right here.

#7

30 Things Immature People Think Are "Signs Of Maturity" Not acting childish. Sounds so strange but the most mature people usually have no problem tapping into their childish or silly sides. Immature people overdo it trying to be „cool“.

well_actuallE , Samson Katt Report

Final score:

170points

Buren 2 years ago

Weeeeeeeeeee

37points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#8

30 Things Immature People Think Are "Signs Of Maturity" Being too old for something you consider "juvenile". Games, cartoons, toys, whatever. Nothing screams immature to me like ignoring something you love or putting someone else down for what they love because you think it's for kids.

Asmor , MART PRODUCTION Report

Final score:

157points

DrBronxx 2 years ago

My boss sat me down years ago to tell me that my interest in animation and things like Star Wars, as well as the fun/funny t-shirts I wore (outside of work) did not give our company a good image. At the time, I took it seriously. Changed what I spoke about in public, and what I wore. Since then, I have met and married a fellow nerd, and I came to the realisation that what I wear and what I'm interested in should not be hidden away. Ordered The One Ring last week. Should arrive at the end of this week.

74points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

#9

30 Things Immature People Think Are "Signs Of Maturity" Girls getting their period. A lot of people think girls "become women" when they start their period. I was 10 when I started mine and still a literal child.

yourremedy94 , Sora Shimazaki Report

Final score:

141points

Fembot 2 years ago

No one this side of the Middle Ages think that girls are women from their first period on, right? Right?

57points

View More Replies...

View more comments

We also reached out to author and blogger Hanan Parvez to hear his thoughts on this topic. Hanan has a MA in Psychology, and explores a wide range of topics on his site PsychMechanics. When asked what maturity means to him, he shared, “Maturity is behaving in an age-appropriate manner. Maturity comes down to being socially smart in the society you find yourself in. That consists of conforming to social norms to some degree,” he explained. “When you behave in ways your society considers mature, you are mature.” He also noted that most societies consider responsibility and wisdom to be mature.

When asked about things that are often mistaken for maturity, Hanan told Bored Panda that there’s not a lot of gray are on the topic. “I don't believe you can falsely see anything as maturity. You're either socially smart, or you're not. Some behaviors are universally seen as mature, and other behaviors are widely seen as immature.”

ADVERTISEMENT

#10

30 Things Immature People Think Are "Signs Of Maturity" Moving out of your parents house. Some kids I know moved out so they could just binge drink and smoke weed non-stop without their parents knowing. Other people I know stayed with their parents (seen as a sign of immaturity) because help was needed at home. Moving out doesn't always mean maturity. Sometimes understanding the advantages it may give you long term financially are worth it.

Anonymous_Rabbit1 , Pixabay Report

Final score:

128points

John Ambrose 2 years ago

Financial advantage or not, many people are trying to get away from toxicity and abuse, NOT because they want to smoke and drink all day. Though, coincidentally, those are common coping skills.

40points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#11

30 Things Immature People Think Are "Signs Of Maturity" Having a spouse and kids.

johansugarev , Harrison Haines Report

Final score:

121points

Nea 2 years ago

Oh my god- here in India, if a man has behaviour issues (just bcos he is an a*s) the common advice is to get him married and if he is marred, force his wife to have kids because that will ‘mature’ him. Have seen many a women’s lives get destroyed because of this.

138points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#12

30 Things Immature People Think Are "Signs Of Maturity" The whole "men don't cry" thing is pretty immature as a concept

kobbled , Gregory Hayes Report

Final score:

117points

Vorknkx 2 years ago

One of the core traits of toxic masculinity.

39points

View More Replies...

View more comments

Hanan does not necessarily agree with all of the responses on this list. “There are good reasons why society equates certain behaviors (getting a job, getting married, having kids, etc.) to maturity,” Hanan explained. “Careers, relationships, and having kids come with a lot of responsibility. These things can potentially turn anyone into a significantly better human being. That's ultimately what society wants: You becoming better so you can make others better. You becoming a valuable member of society. I'd go as far as to say that wanting to act maturely is what drives human progress,” Hanan added.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Developmental and evolutionary theories in psychology tell us that there are different needs that we ought to be meeting at different life stages,” he told Bored Panda. “If you're in your 20s and 30s and ought to be fulfilling the need for intimacy but are doing what children do, your psyche is bound to be distressed.”

#13

30 Things Immature People Think Are "Signs Of Maturity" Putting others down. Acting like you're above it all.

the-bejeezus , nappy Report

Final score:

114points

Susan Green 2 years ago

That doesn’t make you seem mature, but it does make someone look like a huge a$$hole.

4points

View more comments

#14

30 Things Immature People Think Are "Signs Of Maturity" "Ridiculing others' interests is the real childishness."

"Love what you love, life's too short for this sh*t."

kerenski667 , Helena Lopes Report

Final score:

114points

Diana Pahule 2 years ago

shhh-6358b...55a751.jpg

9points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#15

30 Things Immature People Think Are "Signs Of Maturity" Not snickering when someone says 69.

pantericu5 , Craig Adderley Report

Final score:

110points

ForThePeople 2 years ago (edited)

Nice chain

16points

View More Replies...

View more comments

We then asked Hanan how people can manage actually becoming more mature without feeling pressured to do the things that society perceives as mature. “It's hard,” he says. “If you're not going to take much responsibility in life, why be mature? Why bother? Why improve yourself? You can only improve yourself for yourself so much.”

ADVERTISEMENT

“When you improve yourself for others, your self-improvement can skyrocket. Hang out with people who're wiser and more responsible than you. You'll learn maturity by osmosis. Or simply take up more responsibility,” Hanan added.

“It's interesting how aggressive people can get when deciding what's mature and what's not. Aggression is often a sign of underlying frustration,” he noted. “For instance, they'll do a childish thing and call it mature while bashing others who do another childish thing. Thankfully, you don't get to choose your brand of maturity. Society has already drafted the rules for that.”

If you’d like to hear more from Hanan, be sure to check out his blog PsychMechanics right here.

#16

30 Things Immature People Think Are "Signs Of Maturity" I have seen many examples of people mistaking arrogance with confidence. Confidence, of course being a sign of maturity. I have been there myself when I was younger. Incredibly arrogant and I thought I was being confident. But confidence is someone who is secure in themselves and who don't feel the need to prove themselves to others all the time. Arrogance is the opposite of that.

CaptainTryk , Moose Photos Report

Final score:

109points

Michael Largey 2 years ago

Confidence is not knowing that you'll win. Confidence is knowing that you'll be ok if you don't.

37points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#17

30 Things Immature People Think Are "Signs Of Maturity" Conversely, telling someone they're a stick in the mud because they aren't comfortable acting a certain way. I'm a naturally reserved person. I like quiet music, peaceful settings, and spend a lot of time in quiet contemplation. It doesn't mean there is something wrong with me."
"Not feeling required to 'be a certain way' is probably the best all around for this

chaotic----neutral , Oleksandr Pidvalnyi Report

Final score:

109points

LittlePiggie 2 years ago

I felt this in my soul.

14points

View more comments

#18

When the eldest child is made to be a third parent and is good at it, it does not mean they’re mature. They’re still children…children forced to raise their siblings.

Key_Device_8933 Report

Final score:

101points

heather7d@yahoo.com 2 years ago

100% YES!

28points

View more comments

What do you consider mature? We hope you enjoy reading through this list and that you’ll keep an open mind as you make your way through it. You might realize that some of these actions are often done by very immature people and that you’re not required to check any of these things off your to-do list to be considered mature. Keep upvoting the responses that resonate with you, and then feel free to share your own thoughts on the topic in the comments. What makes a mature panda? I would love to know!

ADVERTISEMENT

#19

30 Things Immature People Think Are "Signs Of Maturity" Age

sh*ttyshooter69 , cottonbro Report

Final score:

100points

Buren 2 years ago

Growing old is inevitable. Growing up is optional.

87points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#20

30 Things Immature People Think Are "Signs Of Maturity" My dad in a nutshell. 'Stop being happy with your steady job that pays enough so you can afford whatever you want and leaves you with tons of free time, life and work need to be a grind and a fight or you're not doing it right!.' I guess that's my gift to him, so he can have something to be angry about, the only thing that makes him happy.

ssatyd , Pavel Danilyuk Report

Final score:

93points

Maddymoocow 2 years ago

Reminds me of my dad. He was happiest when he was miserable, but ecstatic if he could make everyone else miserable too.

36points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#21

30 Things Immature People Think Are "Signs Of Maturity" Having a career requiring very specialised expertise.

I know doctors and lawyers who are incredibly emotionally immature.

Their kids are usually good evidence of this “hidden” secret.

hshsgdve , Jonathan Borba Report

Final score:

91points

Metaniel 2 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

1point

View More Replies...

View more comments

#22

30 Things Immature People Think Are "Signs Of Maturity" Protestant work ethic and its idea that you need to be constantly working, even in your free time, has always been a huge mystery to me, specifically why a lot of people are so stuck up with it

h3X_T , fauxels Report

Final score:

88points

Henrik Schmidt 2 years ago

The myth of "The Grind" is incredibly damaging to our society.

35points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#23

30 Things Immature People Think Are "Signs Of Maturity" Taking yourself too seriously.

allroadsendindeath , Adrienn Report

Final score:

82points

Jack Holt 2 years ago

Took me till my mid 30s to learn this

14points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#24

30 Things Immature People Think Are "Signs Of Maturity" It’s more responsible to choose not to take on a responsibility that you don’t want.

Lifeboatb , Anete Lusina Report

Final score:

80points

OnAFreakingRollercoaster 2 years ago

Yes!!!

11points

View more comments

#25

My family thinks its a travesty that I don’t ever want children, my mom always thought I was just being young and angsty and would change my mind. Now that im in my 30s shes given up on that. I truly don’t understand how most people can even afford to have children anymore and provide them anything else except the bare a** minimum to sustain life. Everything is sooooo much more expensive than it was when I was a kid, and the wages are about the same. Money just doesn’t go as far as it used too, and its getting harder and harder to build up and acquire credit to actually own a house or anything like that.

smurfasaur Report

Final score:

80points

Sandra Morison 2 years ago

Both of my sons do not want children, I completely respect THEIR decision

36points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#26

Trauma.

Too many teenagers think because they had a hard childhood that they’re somehow more mature than every other 18 year old. You aren’t. You’re traumatized and was forced to act like an adult for survival and was never given a chance to actually mature normally.

AncientDominion Report

Final score:

79points

heather7d@yahoo.com 2 years ago

Going through trauma and just trying to survive as a child actually stunts your growth in ways. You’re so busy getting by you miss important developmental steps. I spent my teen years trying to keep my mom safe and taking care of my younger sisters. I didn’t have time to cultivate friendships, develop my own interests, and learn how to date and manage romantic relationships. I’m doing fine now, but I’m still socially awkward and feel like I missed out on a lot.

42points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#27

30 Things Immature People Think Are "Signs Of Maturity" Dating older men in high school and middle school.

In highschool (late 2010s) we used to think that these girls that bragged about having boyfriends in their early 20s-30s were so much more mature than us. I remember being jealous since we had to deal with idiot hs boys instead of older men that seemed like the ideal men for us.

In reality those girls were being manipulated and groomed into thinking that they wanted these relationships. It breaks my heart knowing that so many young women will have to heal from the damage done to them by men that they think love them when really they are just attracted to the control and power they have over these girls who don't know better.

I recently looked up one of the girls and it turns out that she had got married to the same man that had groomed her all those years ago. They met when she was 14 and he was 26. It made me feel phsically ill.

Editited for clarity

Dariisu , vjapratama Report

Final score:

76points

Lara Verne 2 years ago

Some people never realize this. There was 16 years old girl in my town, who was dating guy in his 30s. Her mother was bragging about it, like it was a great thing, because that guy was apparently really rich and if he married her daughter she would not need to work. Technically, it was legal, because age of consent is 15 here, but it's creepy anyway.

36points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#28

30 Things Immature People Think Are "Signs Of Maturity" My family thinks I am skirting responsibility by not having kids. I know a lot of people who had them thinking they were obligated to, and neglect them."

"I remember telling somebody I know from college I don't want them ever, and she said, 'My boyfriend's not afraid to take responsibility and have kids,' as if I wasn't a real man for not having them lol."

"For some, it's a sign of virility and maturity.

lazarus870 , Andrea Piacquadio Report

Final score:

76points

Luke Branwen 2 years ago

Kids deserve to be actually wanted, not only seen as some mandatory life milestone.

56points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#29

30 Things Immature People Think Are "Signs Of Maturity" Not partying. You can still be an adult and have fun.

RevolutionaryYouth51 , ELEVATE Report

Final score:

67points

Buren 2 years ago

Nah. I want to go to bed at 8 pm

43points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#30

30 Things Immature People Think Are "Signs Of Maturity" Silence. There is a good difference between listening to process and listening mindlessly.

SayNO2AutoCorect , Amine M'siouri Report

Final score:

57points

Michael Largey 2 years ago

And thank goodness for protection and comfort afforded by the second type!

7points

View more comments

Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium

Unlimited content

Ad-free browsing

Dark mode

#31

30 Things Immature People Think Are "Signs Of Maturity" Not apologizing to younger people...

hitaishi_1 , mentatdgt Report

Final score:

18points

Vix Spiderthrust 2 years ago (edited)

In Sourcery, Terry Pratchett said something to the effect of "some adults believe children aren't really people, and therefore don't deserve good manners."

9points

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

Dutch Swimmer Goes Viral For Super Revealing Trunks During 2024 Olympics: “Is This Legal?”

Dutch Swimmer Goes Viral For Super Revealing Trunks During 2024 Olympics: “Is This Legal?”

Dutch Swimmer Goes Viral For Super Revealing Trunks During 2024 Olympics: “Is This Legal?”

Thrill-Seeking Diver Jumps Down Extreme Waterslide, Ignoring The Strict Ban For Women

Thrill-Seeking Diver Jumps Down Extreme Waterslide, Ignoring The Strict Ban For Women

Thrill-Seeking Diver Jumps Down Extreme Waterslide, Ignoring The Strict Ban For Women

#32

Giving up things you enjoy because they're childish. Imo giving up or belittling adults for enjoying what they like IS childish!

TranscendantSandwich Report

Final score:

17points

#33

As a man, Holding your tears or asking for comfort & company when you feel burdened or sad.

It shouldn't be like that, grownup or not when you need consolation and time-out you should get it.

Just_A_Phoenix Report

Final score:

17points

#34

How much you travel.

Traveling a lot doesn’t magically make you a well-rounded person with plenty of seasoned perspective. Plenty of trust fund babies and people withdrawing from the First National Bank of Mom and Dad that stay in luxurious hotels and treat locals like zoo animals to be hand fed and photographed. You aren’t better than people who don’t have the time, money, or health to hop on a plane every few months and take pictures of landmarks for Instagram.

WhySoCrunchyThough Report

Final score:

17points

DrBronxx 2 years ago

Some of the most-travelled people I know are the least mature. One or two were distinctly running away from something, and were extremely predatory.

3points

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

Woman Put A Water Fountain With A Camera In Her Yard, Here Are 24 Photos Of Regular Visitors (New Pics)

Woman Put A Water Fountain With A Camera In Her Yard, Here Are 24 Photos Of Regular Visitors (New Pics)

Woman Put A Water Fountain With A Camera In Her Yard, Here Are 24 Photos Of Regular Visitors (New Pics)

“Ma’am I Live Here”: Woman Refuses To Back Out Of Driveway, Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

“Ma’am I Live Here”: Woman Refuses To Back Out Of Driveway, Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

“Ma’am I Live Here”: Woman Refuses To Back Out Of Driveway, Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

#35

>"When I became a man I put away childish things, including the fear of childishness and the desire to be very grown up.”

― C.S. Lewis

NoStressAccount Report

Final score:

15points

#36

30 Things Immature People Think Are "Signs Of Maturity" Talking about sex, drinking.

I had a coworker who was two years older than me constantly call me a kid because, unlike her, I don't talk about how much I need a good f*****g from my boyfriend while at work.

Bish, we are at the exact same point in our lives, these two years of difference between you and me would've mattered if we were in highschool, but we're at work and I honestly don't care to hear how unsatisfied you were with that f*****g while I'm peeling freaking watermelons.

Pure_Block_5309 Report

Final score:

15points

Buren 2 years ago

But dear, watermelons are not meant to be peeled. You cut them in halves, and eat the flesh with spoon.

5points

View more comments

#37

working yourself to death for a company that couldn't give less of a s**t about you. okay Tony, glad you put in 6 12s this week. I read my favorite book and ate delicious homecooked meals

Final score:

14points

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

#38

Buying a home or having children would be my top two. Neither require maturity just going through a process.

ChampionshipPlus8220 Report

Final score:

14points

#39

30 Things Immature People Think Are "Signs Of Maturity" "afraid" is a terrible word for it that has been said to me as well.

"I'm not afraid of having kids, I would just prefer to do literally anything, including nothing at all than have kids."

"I would rather sleep all day every day."

– mantits- , MART PRODUCTION Report

Final score:

14points

#40

30 Things Immature People Think Are "Signs Of Maturity" Career position. Met a lot of people in high positions that were just children outside of work

Substantial_Body_472 , Andrea Piacquadio Report

Final score:

13points

L.V 2 years ago

I guess it depends what kind of child they are... Were they children because they couldn't take care of themselves. Or just enjoying "childish"things, and didn't care that people knew about it?

0points

#41

Taking s**t to “keep the peace,” to seem “respectful,” or to be “the bigger person.”

Jess_DrNurseMD Report

Final score:

13points

#42

30 Things Immature People Think Are "Signs Of Maturity" Cynicism.
It's just a defeated, uninspiring way to look at the world.
I get where it's coming from, but it will get you nowhere in life.

ChrisFromAustria , MART PRODUCTION Report

Final score:

12points

Michael Largey 2 years ago

"I try to be cynical. But it's so hard to keep up." - Lilly Tomlin

0points

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

Mom Leaves $250k Inheritance To Son, Throws A Fit When Daughter Stops Looking After Her

Mom Leaves $250k Inheritance To Son, Throws A Fit When Daughter Stops Looking After Her

Mom Leaves $250k Inheritance To Son, Throws A Fit When Daughter Stops Looking After Her

#43

Constant settling. Yes. It's true that you can't always get what you want, but so many people just accept sh*tty jobs, partners, homes, etc because "Grow up. Step into the real world. This is just how it is." The expectation of constant instant gratification is immature, but it's perfectly fine to pursue the things you want and have a firm, unchanging standard for what you will and won't accept.

On the flip side, the concept of "going for the gold" is also false maturity. Maturity is realizing that it's ok to just want the bronze. The understanding of settling for less vs. having your own standard for achievement is true maturity.

Final score:

12points

Robert B 2 years ago

Hey, you posted part of my daily lunchtime soliloquy on existential crises!

1point

View more comments

#44

Wearing makeup.

Girls, you’re in 6th grade. You’ve got your whole life to rock the black winged eyeliner. Now is not the time.

Wishyouamerry Report

Final score:

12points

M O'Connell 2 years ago

Who remembers blue sparkly eye shadow?

2points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#45

30 Things Immature People Think Are "Signs Of Maturity" Being stiff and ”mature“. Basically putting yourself above others due to their position in comparison to yourself. That just shows insecurity if anything

Ben_Yair , cottonbro Report

Final score:

11points

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

Woman Refuses To Chip In For Babysitting Because She Doesn’t Even Have Kids, Asks If She’s A Jerk

Woman Refuses To Chip In For Babysitting Because She Doesn’t Even Have Kids, Asks If She’s A Jerk

Woman Refuses To Chip In For Babysitting Because She Doesn’t Even Have Kids, Asks If She’s A Jerk

“This Breaks My Heart”: People Stunned—And Angry—After Woman Buys Lost Luggage From Airport

“This Breaks My Heart”: People Stunned—And Angry—After Woman Buys Lost Luggage From Airport

“This Breaks My Heart”: People Stunned—And Angry—After Woman Buys Lost Luggage From Airport

#46

Getting up early

PsychologyChance6595 Report

Final score:

11points

Vorknkx 2 years ago

Little kids get up early all the time too, so...

3points

#47

Being above humour and putting others down for joking around.

When you are a true adult - you can also know how to be a child

the-bejeezus Report

Final score:

10points

Vix Spiderthrust 2 years ago

"As we journey through life, shedding baggage along the way, we must keep an iron grip, until the very end, on the capacity for silliness. It preserves the soul from desiccation." - Humphrey Lyttleton

2points

#48

a beard. mine started to be full with 14 but i was still a fkn kid tho.

Final score:

10points

Michelle C 2 years ago

Yup. I worked with slightly older kids in a previous job and some of them had facial hair by the time they were 12 and 13 years old. OK; genetics are genetics and they’re not a reflection of maturity!

1point

View more comments

#49

Independence. It's a low bar and just means you can survive if left alone.

Interdependence is key for societies to work. It means other people can rely on you and more importantly you know when you need to rely on other people.

Edit: People, "living independently" and "independence" in the growth stages of dependence → independence → interdependence are two different things. At the same time interdependence and codependence are different as well.

Four4TheRoad Report

Final score:

10points

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

"I Didn't Start The Dryer": Karen Gets Taught A Lesson After Throwing Out Neighbor's Wet Clothes

"I Didn't Start The Dryer": Karen Gets Taught A Lesson After Throwing Out Neighbor's Wet Clothes

"I Didn't Start The Dryer": Karen Gets Taught A Lesson After Throwing Out Neighbor's Wet Clothes

Guy Divorced 3 Years Ago Drops Off 3 Y.O. With His Ex-Wife Completely Out Of The Blue

Guy Divorced 3 Years Ago Drops Off 3 Y.O. With His Ex-Wife Completely Out Of The Blue

Guy Divorced 3 Years Ago Drops Off 3 Y.O. With His Ex-Wife Completely Out Of The Blue

#50

Smoking or anything of the sort

Skullsand-214 Report

Final score:

9points

#51

The ability to drink alcohol is falsely seen as a sign of maturity.

CelesteGaliero Report

Final score:

8points

#52

Saying you’re mature for your age is pretty f*****g immature.

Fubang77 Report

Final score:

8points

#53

Wealth.

gjallard Report

Final score:

8points

#54

Having a high position in a hierarchical company

Any_Vehicle_8033 Report

Final score:

7points

Scipio Africanus 2 years ago

It can indicate maturity but it doesn’t always

1point

#55

Literally anything that causes people to say 'you aged before your time'

IntelligenceBelow0 Report

Final score:

7points

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

College Student Does Exactly As Told After Roommates Demand They Keep Their Stuff In Their Room

College Student Does Exactly As Told After Roommates Demand They Keep Their Stuff In Their Room

College Student Does Exactly As Told After Roommates Demand They Keep Their Stuff In Their Room

Internet Gives Unemployed Woman A Reality Check After She Expects Friends To Buy Her A Trip

Internet Gives Unemployed Woman A Reality Check After She Expects Friends To Buy Her A Trip

Internet Gives Unemployed Woman A Reality Check After She Expects Friends To Buy Her A Trip

#56

Sex

Alarming_Tomatillo33 Report

Final score:

6points

Karen Lyon 2 years ago

I dated a guy who first had sex when he was something like 11 or 12, with a 13-year-old girl. So, um, yeah.

0points

#57

Saying the "right" things. It doesn't mean they're speaking the truth, really believe in it, or practice what they preach.

fmlwhateven Report

Final score:

6points

#58

Saying complex words

Flyiiiing Report

Final score:

6points

ForThePeople 2 years ago (edited)

Indeed, an individual can be mature solely by uttering more complicated phrases.

3points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#59

Using "adult" language

NicNoletree Report

Final score:

5points

Vorknkx 2 years ago

Ah yes, some people think talking about their "hedgefund portfolio with deductable interest rates" somehow mankes them look like they've beaten the game of life.

1point

#60

It’s more responsible to choose not to take on a responsibility that you don’t want.

Lifeboatb Report

Final score:

4points

Adelaide Ross

Howdy, I'm Adelaide! I'm originally from Texas, but after graduating from university with an acting degree, I relocated to sunny Los Angeles for a while. I then got a serious bite from the travel bug and found myself moving to Sweden and England before settling in Lithuania about two years ago. I'm passionate about animal welfare, sustainability and eating delicious food. But as you can see, I cover a wide range of topics including drama, internet trends and hilarious memes. I can easily be won over with a Seinfeld reference, vegan pastry or glass of fresh cold brew. And during my free time, I can usually be seen strolling through a park, playing tennis or baking something tasty.

Howdy, I'm Adelaide! I'm originally from Texas, but after graduating from university with an acting degree, I relocated to sunny Los Angeles for a while. I then got a serious bite from the travel bug and found myself moving to Sweden and England before settling in Lithuania about two years ago. I'm passionate about animal welfare, sustainability and eating delicious food. But as you can see, I cover a wide range of topics including drama, internet trends and hilarious memes. I can easily be won over with a Seinfeld reference, vegan pastry or glass of fresh cold brew. And during my free time, I can usually be seen strolling through a park, playing tennis or baking something tasty.

Ilona Baliūnaitė

I'm a Visual Editor at Bored Panda since 2017. I've searched through a multitude of images to create over 2000 diverse posts on a wide range of topics. I love memes, funny, and cute stuff, but I'm also into social issues topics. Despite my background in communication, my heart belongs to visual media, especially photography. When I'm not at my desk, you're likely to find me in the streets with my camera, checking out cool exhibitions, watching a movie at the cinema or just chilling with a coffee in a cozy place

I'm a Visual Editor at Bored Panda since 2017. I've searched through a multitude of images to create over 2000 diverse posts on a wide range of topics. I love memes, funny, and cute stuff, but I'm also into social issues topics. Despite my background in communication, my heart belongs to visual media, especially photography. When I'm not at my desk, you're likely to find me in the streets with my camera, checking out cool exhibitions, watching a movie at the cinema or just chilling with a coffee in a cozy place

What do you think ?

Sardonyx_3 2 years ago

I was twelve when my Grandfather asked me if I had a Boyfriend. wtf. He is a preacher... -_-

3points

Ruth Hempsey 2 years ago

I'm reminded of the biblical quote, cast not thy pearls before swine. In other words, don't waste your breath trying to impart some experience based knowledge when it won't be acceptable to the audience. You can take a horse to water but you can't make it drink, fits too.

1point

Mark Kelly 2 months ago

Don't forget "that's what she said". ha

0points

Damon 2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Dillon Brown 2 years ago

I'm judging you based on this comment 🧐 very low brow, yes, indeed

5points

Load More Replies...

Sardonyx_3 2 years ago

I was twelve when my Grandfather asked me if I had a Boyfriend. wtf. He is a preacher... -_-

3points

Ruth Hempsey 2 years ago

I'm reminded of the biblical quote, cast not thy pearls before swine. In other words, don't waste your breath trying to impart some experience based knowledge when it won't be acceptable to the audience. You can take a horse to water but you can't make it drink, fits too.

1point

Mark Kelly 2 months ago

Don't forget "that's what she said". ha

0points

Damon 2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Dillon Brown 2 years ago

I'm judging you based on this comment 🧐 very low brow, yes, indeed

5points

Load More Replies...

Back to Homepage

More about Social Issues

Next in Social Issues

Related on Bored Panda

Related on Bored Panda

Trending on Bored Panda

Also on Bored Panda