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!
#1
"When you realize 5k is a lot of money to spend, but not a lot of money to have."
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33points
#2
"When you have an opinion on something and once presented with new facts you are open to changing your opinion."
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32points
#7
"Patience. Understanding that not everything can be fixed immediately, and making peace with the fact that some things just take time."
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20points
#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."
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19points
#10
"When you consistently do the right thing for the right reasons - even if it involves sacrifice on your part."
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18points
#12
"When you know you're right but don't feel the need to correct someone on it."
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17points
#13
"When you act and think the same whether you are alone or with others."
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17points
#14
"I've heard this one and it has stuck with me: 'When your mom comes to you for advice.'"
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17points
#17
"Not caring about how you look to others so long as you like yourself and are having a good time."
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16points
#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."
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15points
#19
"Having alcoholic drinks in the house that are not drunk on the day of purchase."
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15points