Haven’t we all at some point looked at someone and said, “What childish behavior-so immature”? Similarly, we have looked at others and made comments like, “He/She is surprisingly mature for their age.”
Maturity is the ability to make decisions using reason rather than emotion. It is the ability to behave, speak, and interact appropriately depending on the situation and the people involved.
For instance, when visiting a house of mourning, one should avoid speaking loudly or making jokes. Regardless of the deceased person’s age, we must remember that a death has occurred. But at a wedding, some conversation and humor are acceptable. When dealing with elders or those in positions of respect, one must act and speak in accordance with their age and status. Treating them like casual peers is inappropriate and immature.
Children are not expected to possess maturity at a young age, and we usually give them leeway. But if adults misuse the same leeway, we label them as childish. As one grows, maturity should grow along with them. Knowing how to speak, to whom and in what way is a key trait of maturity.
We have all seen people who use vulgar language in public without considering the environment or who is around them. Such people earn society’s criticism and mockery.
Spiritual teachers often say that one begins to truly live only after attaining maturity. Maturity is said to be fourfold: Physical maturity, Mental maturity, Emotional maturity and Spiritual maturity
Let’s look at some characteristics of mature individuals:
They don’t jump into unnecessary arguments. Even in disagreement or conflict, they know when to stop. They don’t hurt or belittle those they love. They strive for emotional balance. Rather than blaming others for mistakes, they reflect on and correct their own. Instead of trying to prove others wrong, they feel content in being confident and clear about their own stance. They’re willing to admit their faults. Their decisions are guided by their own perspectives, and they usually have well-defined views. Maturity isn’t about doing great things-it is about understanding even the small things deeply.
In a public setting-like a classroom or a community space-maturity is when one stops worrying, ‘Do all these people like me?’ and instead starts asking, ‘Do I like them?’
Maturity is not something we inherently possess—it is something we learn continuously, moment by moment. A healthy approach to situations, events, and people is the true sign of maturity.
