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!
#82
"Also knowing when to rely on others. Swallowing your pride and allowing those that truly care for you to help."
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#83
"You don't have to admit you wrong, just admit that people understand things differently and in different ways."
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#84
"There's a fine line between quitting and knowing nothing more can be gained. I think the maturity part comes in knifing and accepting the difference."
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#86
"Knowing you can't do what you want whenever you want for your entire life."
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#88
"When the vegetable drawer in your fridge is full of vegetables instead of just beer."
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#89
"In truth, when you start wanting to take care of people and not being revolved around yourself."
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#90
"Realizing that you don't have to dress a certain way, have a certain hairstyle or a tattoo to express your individuality."
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#94
"When you fall asleep in the car and your parents don't carry you to bed. That's another hard blow from reality."
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#99
"Realizing that going out to eat is a decent chunk of change for most people (especially older people), so you should always dress nice and be cordial at a lesser restaurant or a nice restaurant."
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