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Biologically it's possible to indicate the approximate age when a person reaches full physical maturity. However, emotional maturity is more challenging to define or distinguish. While physical and emotional maturity are subjective, typically, a person reaches physical maturity before becoming emotionally mature. For example, it's likely that a teenager would be physically mature but not emotionally mature enough to become a parent.
In fact, one study showed that the average man doesn't reach full emotional maturity until age 43, while women mature by age 32. That's an 11-year difference! Yet, again, the topic is very subjective. And while there are no tools (yet) available to determine the exact age one becomes 'ripe,' there are so-called signs of maturity. Similarly to how psychological conditions are diagnosed via symptoms, so can full psychological maturation be determined by signs of emotional maturity.
While signs of maturity in a man and woman may differ, gendering signs of maturity is irrelevant. So what exactly are those cues that a person has reached full emotional growth? When a Reddit user came in with the same question, numerous people chimed in in a Reddit thread sharing their personal experiences and the various signs of a mature man or woman.
Below, we've gathered some of their most upvoted answers sharing signs of a mature person. Do you agree with any of these statements? Which behavior or state of mind would you consider a sign of maturity? At what stage of emotional maturity would you consider yourself to be right now? Let us know!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
"When you realize 5k is a lot of money to spend, but not a lot of money to have."
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#2
"When you have an opinion on something and once presented with new facts you are open to changing your opinion."
#3
"Letting someone win an argument so you can move on."
#4
"Knowing when your night is over and you should probably go home."
#5
"Realizing you're not as smart as you think."
Squirrelly Panda 2 years ago
People who think they know everything really annoy those of us who do. (Joke)
#7
"Patience. Understanding that not everything can be fixed immediately, and making peace with the fact that some things just take time."
#8
"I was always told 'character is how you treat those who can do nothing for you', which to me sounds like a good standard for maturity."
#9
"Being able to admit when your worst enemy has a good idea."
#10
"Knowing which priorities to put first."
Nameless_User 2 years ago
+ Knowing that sometimes the priorities of others are more important than your own.
#12
"When you consistently do the right thing for the right reasons - even if it involves sacrifice on your part."
#14
"I've heard this one and it has stuck with me: 'When your mom comes to you for advice.'"
OnAFreakingRollercoaster 2 years ago
This is true. I go to my oldest kid for advice because she's, well, mature 👍
#15
"When someone hurts you and you try to understand them."
Squirrelly Panda 2 years ago
Yes, understand them. But just because I understand why you are angry doesn't mean I accept you yelling at or abusing me. Remember, understanding is not excusing anymore than forgiving is forgetting. Understanding can reduce resentment as well as make things better in the future for everyone.
#17
"Not caring about how you look to others so long as you like yourself and are having a good time."
#18
"You become an adolescent when you realize your parents are human beings just like everyone else. You become an adult when you forgive them for it."
#21
"Eating a sandwich using the heel of the loaf of bread."
#22
"Sometimes it's better for an argument to never happen than for you to win it."
#26
"Fully understanding that there are many different ways of looking at a problem and that not everyone will understand that."
#27
"Being happy and proud for the successful people in your life without comparing yourself to them and at the same time being proud of your your own life."
#28
"Being able to make a sincere apology. 'I'm sorry you took it that way' is not a sincere apology."
ShaZam Beaubien 2 years ago
Not sure if I believe this one. Sometimes people misunderstand what you say. Instead of just being a jerk .... being able to let a person know you never meant it that way ...
#29
"Not venting on social media about personal affairs."
#33
"Not having the urge to laugh when the ketchup bottle farts."
#35
"I don't need to tell people they're doing something wrong unless they ask me for my advice. I still often find myself biting my lip trying not to correct someone but I'm learning!"
Frank Miller 2 years ago
There's nothing wrong with correcting someone, it's all about how you present it and how you deal with their reaction.
#36
"Not getting embarrassed about necessary purchases. As a teenager and young woman, I got antsy purchasing tampons, picking up my birth control and even buying toilet paper."
ShaZam Beaubien 2 years ago
Ahh ... the days when made sure you had a female cashier to ring you up. Later in life, you get in line with the male cashier and have tampons, wine, and a pound of chocolate. Looking at him ... daring him to make a comment.
#37
"Ohh, the weather is finally warm and sunny, what a good day to do laundry."
OnAFreakingRollercoaster 2 years ago
I love line-dried clothes. Clothes fluttering on my clothesline makes me happy for some reason.
#38
"When you realize that just because something is for children, it doesn't mean it's childish."
#39
"Knowing that you aren't entitled to anything in life, even your life."
RafCo (he/him) 2 years ago
Id say you're entitled to your life. Nobody should have the right to take that away from you. This is a very dark view of the world. It's the libertarian, pull yourself up by your own bootstraps, why should I pay for your kids education or healthcare, view of the world.
#41
"When you announce you're going to have a baby and people are happy for you instead of saying, 'Oh, is everything okay?'"
#42
"Drinking a few beers makes you wanna go to bed instead of partying."
#45
"Being able to walk away when you should. Whether it be a confrontation, relationship or bad situation."
#46
"I bought floss the other day."
#49
"Eating things you don't like just because they're healthy."
Frank Miller 2 years ago
You don't have to eat things you don't like just because they're healthy. It's more about NOT eating things that are unhealthy.
