Emotional maturity. It’s a big deal, right? It’s how well we can handle our feelings, talking about them without losing our cool and understanding how others feel too. You really need this for any relationships you have. But what if a guy doesn’t have this?

Now, you might think actions speak louder than words. And sure, they do. But words? They can say a lot as well.

In fact, there are certain phrases that if a man says regularly, it could mean he’s not emotionally mature. Here are 11 phrases to keep an ear out for.

If the man in your life is dropping these phrases like they’re hot, it might be a sign he needs to up his emotional game.

1. “You’re overreacting”

Ever heard this one before? This phrase is a classic go-to for men who aren’t emotionally mature. It’s a way of dismissing your feelings, making you question whether you’re being too sensitive or emotional.

In a healthy conversation, he would address your concerns rather than making you feel like you’re “too much”. Remember, everyone has a right to express their feelings without being belittled or dismissed.

2. “I don’t want to talk about it”

This is another common phrase used by men who struggle with emotional maturity.

Shying away from discussions, especially ones related to feelings, is a clear sign of emotional immaturity. Mature individuals understand the importance of communication in all aspects of a relationship and are open to discussing any issues that arise.

If he often avoids conversations about feelings or difficult topics, it may be a sign of low emotional maturity.

3. “That’s just how I am”

This one hits close to home for me.

I once dated a guy who would shrug off any criticism or advice with, “That’s just how I am”. It’s a phrase that screams resistance to change and growth, two key ingredients for emotional maturity. By saying this, he was essentially refusing to acknowledge areas that needed improvement, blocking any potential for growth.

Looking back, it was a clear sign of his low emotional maturity.

4. “I’m not angry”

We all know that men are more likely than women to hide their emotions, particularly anger. This phrase is a classic example of that.

If a man is clearly upset but denies it, he’s not dealing with his emotions in a healthy way. Emotional maturity involves being honest about your feelings, not just with others but with yourself too.

Saying “I’m not angry” when you clearly are, is a sign of low emotional maturity.

5. “It’s not a big deal”

This phrase can tug at the heartstrings. It’s used when someone wants to downplay something that matters to you.

Maybe you’ve shared something that hurt you, or expressed concern about an issue, only to have it brushed off as “not a big deal”. It’s a tough pill to swallow, because what may seem trivial to one person might be significant to another.

Emotional maturity entails understanding and respecting this difference. So, if he often uses this phrase, it’s likely he has some emotional growing up to do.

6. “You always…”

Oh boy, have I heard this one a lot. “You always forget to do this”, “You’re always nagging me about that”.

This phrase is a classic example of blame shifting and generalizing, two traits of emotionally immature individuals. Instead of addressing the issue at hand, he lumps it into an “always” scenario, making it seem like a recurring problem that’s entirely your fault.

It’s a tactic I’ve come to recognize as a sign of low emotional maturity.

7. “It’s your fault”

Now, this one cuts deep. It’s a phrase that’s served up hot when a man doesn’t want to take responsibility for his actions.

Instead of owning up to what he did wrong, he points the finger at you. It’s raw, it’s harsh, and it’s a clear sign of low emotional maturity.

If he can’t take responsibility for his actions, and instead blames you, it shows he’s got some growing up to do emotionally.

8. “I don’t need anyone”

This phrase, “I don’t need anyone,” is often used by men who struggle with emotional maturity.

It reflects a lack of understanding that we, as humans, are social creatures who thrive on connection and support from others. If this phrase pops up regularly, it’s a clear sign of low emotional maturity.

9. “Whatever”

This one takes me back to my teens. I remember a guy I was dating would often end our arguments with a dismissive “whatever”. It was his way of shutting down the conversation without resolving anything.

It’s a phrase that shows a lack of respect for the other person’s feelings and opinions. It’s also a clear indication of low emotional maturity, as mature individuals understand the importance of resolving conflicts, not ignoring them.

10. “I don’t care”

This one hits like a punch to the gut. When a man says, “I don’t care,” in response to your feelings or concerns, it’s not just cruel, it’s emotionally immature.

A key part of emotional maturity is empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. By saying he doesn’t care, he’s showing a lack of empathy and a disregard for your feelings.

11. “You’re just like your mother/father”

And lastly, this zinger. Comparing you to your parents in a critical way is a low blow. It’s an attempt to belittle and hurt you.

Instead of addressing the issue at hand, he’s trying to bring you down by drawing irrelevant comparisons. It’s a sign that he doesn’t have the emotional maturity to handle the situation in a respectful and constructive way.