8 Seemingly Minor Behaviors That Make People Seem Immature Without Even Realizing It
9nong | Shutterstock Over time, we make enough mistakes in life to know where we held ourselves back from seeing more wins, better relationships, and business successes. And rather this being due to risks we took, it's actually the things we didn't do that prevented us from achieving more.
Our behaviors and habits can define our success and growth in life. Unfortunately, the seemingly minor behaviors that make people seem immature without even realizing it can hold them back and prevent them from living a full life. But it's never too late to change a bad habit.
Here are 8 seemingly minor behaviors that make people seem immature without even realizing it
1. Not answering the question
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If you're the kind of person who skirts around a clear answer to a question or fails to answer the question entirely, it's not a great look. It's either a yes, a no, or a defined answer with details that are specific to the question.
You being wishy-washy suggests immaturity. "Emotionally mature people take full responsibility for their feelings, their reactions, and their lives... are able to hold empathy for themselves and others simultaneously... [and] speak up and tell the truth, even when it's hard," psychotherapist Tonya Lester explained.
2. Sluggish manners
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Having sluggish and rude manners is one of the seemingly minor behaviors that make people seem immature without even realizing it. Now, that's not to say people should be instructing you on improving your manners, but basic good nature, small talk skills, and courtesy around people, no matter your mood, should be a given.
If you can't observe this foundational human feature, you may appear rude and socially immature. And that means people won't want to be around you.
3. Rushing
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There is an optimum speed at which things are done. If we go too fast, in an attempt to cheat the pace of reality, we sabotage ourselves. In fact, rushing makes things difficult. And so, when you rush your actions and your speech, you appear naive and not yet at ease with your surroundings.
According to licensed clinical professional counselor Melanie K. Hall, "When faced with high-stress or crisis situations, emotional immaturity can lead to panic, rushed decisions, or freezing up. It's like a pilot losing control in turbulence; the ride gets bumpier, not just for the pilot but for everyone aboard."
4. Cutting into conversations
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If we're in a conversation, we must both honor each other's requirement to have our words heard. Cutting into my sentences before someone finishes is on par with a kid stealing food when their parent isn't looking. It's a cheap move that's disrespectful, and nobody likes an interruptor.
Communicating like this is another of the seemingly minor behaviors that make people seem immature without even realizing it. And it puts people off to having any further conversations with you.
5. Passive-aggression
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Confrontation is hard, but we often need to have tough conversations if we want to get ahead, be successful, and grow. Those who avoid bold communication, and instead use indirect ways to make their point heard, like the silent treatment, appear weak and childish.
Being passive-aggressive is a seemingly minor behavior that makes people seem immature without even realizing it. As mental health writer Sheldon Reid pointed out, "[Acting passive-aggressively] is an ineffective and typically counterproductive way of communicating. The person who is being passive-aggressive never actually states their wants or needs, and just bottles up their anger. The other person is left in the dark, often perplexed and upset."
6. Chronic lateness
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It doesn't matter what culture you're from or what other excuses about "personality" you've conjured up to validate your continual lateness. Being late is straight-up disrespectful and will make others increasingly resentful. It also makes you out as an amateur.
While you may not have intended to be late or disrespectful, if you want to form bonds with people who value their time, never be late. Otherwise, you're just showing how immature you are.
7. Bad communication
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Many people have had enough experience talking to people and reading emails and texts to know that they instantly respect those who communicate for comprehension. This means cutting out unnecessary superfluous fluff from what you say. It means being aware of and avoiding ambiguity.
"Emotional maturity is the ability to deal with reality. For example, as a result of their personality limitations, emotionally immature people often alter their perceptions of reality to fit what makes sense to them... They may behave in chronically 'childish' behaviors,"psychotherapist Dr. Tracy Hutchinson revealed. She added that although they may face "limitations or deficits in their maturity," it's never okay to make others feel bad.
8. Reacting with anger
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Have you ever barked at someone or responded with annoyance and were then pleased that it happened? Likely not. Regret often follows thoughtless reactivity. We regret our angry flashes because they are immature.
All of this is to say that you must learn to breathe when triggered. Emotional regulation is a big sign of emotional intelligence and will garner respect from everyone around you.
Alex Mathers is a writer and coach who helps people build a money-making personal brand with their knowledge and skills while staying mentally resilient. He's the author of the Mastery Den newsletter, which helps people triple their productivity.
