Growing up is inevitable, but maturing is a choice. Some habits can make us appear less mature than we actually are.

Want to look more grown up? Then, you need to let go of certain behaviors that might be holding you back.

Here’s the thing: maturity isn’t just about our age, it’s about our actions. And trust me, there are some behaviors that scream “immaturity”.

In this article, I’ll discuss 7 behaviors you need to stop immediately if you want to come across as more mature. Believe me, it’s not as hard as it seems! Just a few tweaks here and there and voila – you’re on your way to maturity.

1) Constantly seeking approval

Who doesn’t love a pat on the back? We all do. But here’s the thing: mature individuals know their worth and don’t need constant validation.

If you’re continually seeking approval from others, it can come across as insecure and immature.

Remember, maturity is about being confident in your own skin, making decisions based on your values and beliefs, not just to please others.

Don’t let the fear of judgment or rejection dictate your choices. Trust me, it’s an exhausting way to live and it doesn’t reflect well on your maturity level.

So, if you want to appear more mature, it’s time to stop relying so heavily on the opinions of others. Find confidence in yourself, in your decisions.

Sure, it’s easier said than done. But trust me, it’s a step towards maturity that will pay off in the long run.

2) Overreacting to situations

I have a confession to make: I used to be quite the drama queen. Every small hiccup felt like an earth-shattering catastrophe. And let me tell you, it wasn’t a good look.

Overreacting to situations is a clear sign of immaturity. It shows that you’re unable to handle life’s ups and downs in a calm and composed manner.

I remember this one time when I was late for a meeting. And instead of calmly explaining the situation and apologizing, I ended up making a spectacle out of it. I was flustered, anxious, and over-apologetic, which only made me seem immature.

Over time, I learnt to handle such situations with more grace. I realized that everyone makes mistakes and it’s okay to be late sometimes. What matters is how you handle it.

So, if you want to seem more mature, try to keep your cool in difficult situations. Trust me, your calm response will speak volumes about your maturity level.

3) Making excuses

In a study published in the Journal of Social Psychology, researchers found that people who frequently make excuses are generally perceived as irresponsible and immature.

Making excuses for your mistakes or shortcomings doesn’t make them disappear. Instead, it paints a picture of someone who is not ready to take responsibility for their actions.

Mature individuals understand that everyone makes mistakes – it’s a part of life. Instead of making excuses, they acknowledge their errors, learn from them, and try to make things right.

So, if you’re always finding reasons to explain away your mistakes or failures, it might be time to change that behavior. Remember, owning up to your actions is a surefire way to show maturity.

4) Gossiping

There’s an old saying, “Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.”

Gossiping about others is a behavior that can quickly make you appear immature. It shows a lack of respect for others’ privacy and a preoccupation with trivial matters.

Mature individuals understand the importance of maintaining trust and respect in their relationships. They prefer to discuss ideas and events rather than indulging in petty gossip.

So, the next time you’re tempted to share a juicy piece of gossip, stop and think. Is it worth it? More often than not, you’ll find that the answer is no. Stepping away from gossip can help you come across as more mature, respectful, and trustworthy.

5) Being overly defensive

I’ve always been someone who took criticism to heart. Even the slightest negative comment would send me into a spiral of self-doubt and defensiveness. It was as if every critique was a personal attack.

But over time, I realized that being overly defensive doesn’t help anyone, least of all yourself. It shuts down the possibility of learning and growth.

Mature individuals understand that criticism, when delivered constructively, is an opportunity for improvement. They don’t view it as a personal attack, but as feedback.

Learning to accept criticism graciously is a sign of maturity. It shows that you value growth and are open to learning from your mistakes. So, next time you receive feedback, take a deep breath and listen. You might learn something valuable.

6) Lack of punctuality

Punctuality is more than just being on time. It’s a reflection of your respect for other people’s time and commitments.

When you’re constantly late, it sends the message that you don’t value the time of others. It can come across as disrespectful and immature.

Mature individuals understand the importance of punctuality. They plan ahead, allow for unexpected delays, and make sure to be on time for their commitments.

So if you’re always running late, it might be time to address this habit. Remember, showing up on time is a simple way to show respect for others and display your maturity.

7) Avoiding responsibility

At the heart of maturity lies responsibility. Mature individuals understand the importance of fulfilling their commitments and obligations. They don’t shirk their duties or pass the buck when things get tough.

Avoiding responsibility can make you appear immature. It suggests that you’re not ready to handle the challenges that come with adulthood.

If you want to come across as more mature, start taking responsibility for your actions. Whether it’s owning up to a mistake, fulfilling your work commitments, or just doing your share of household chores – every little bit counts. Taking responsibility is the foundation of maturity.

Final thoughts: It’s all about growth

The journey towards maturity is deeply intertwined with personal growth and self-improvement.

An intriguing study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people who actively engage in personal growth throughout their lives tend to appear more mature and are generally happier.

When we talk about appearing more mature, it’s not about putting on an act or pretending to be someone you’re not. It’s about acknowledging your behaviors, understanding their impact, and making a conscious effort to improve.

Whether it’s embracing responsibility, learning from criticism, or simply showing up on time, each small step contributes to your overall maturity.

So as you reflect on these behaviors, remember – maturity isn’t a destination, it’s a journey. It doesn’t happen overnight but is a gradual process of personal development.

However small the step might seem, it’s a step forward. And each forward step takes you closer to becoming the mature person you aspire to be.