Not sure if this belongs here, but I believe it has the potential to turn into a debate if enough people are interested.
What defines being mature/being an adult? I have seen so many people act like a total child and then when someone calls them out on what their doing they snap back 'Well I'm grown!' just because they are 18 or older. It really annoys me when they use that as an excuse to act in whatever obnoxious or rude way they want and get away with it.
Now, I bring it to you. What do you think it means to be 'grown'?

There are different kinds of Maturity.

Physical and sexual maturity is based on you're bodies place in growth and in the balance of hormones.

Mental or Characteristic Maturity can exist in very young children and not exist in adults because it is not based on how long you've lived on this earth or how fast or slow you're body develops.

Characteristic Maturity is usually based on a high level of other characteristics such as responsibility, good temper, rationality, and wisdom or the successful application of knowledge.

Typically, someone who is considered "mature" has a combination of all these qualities. Someone who is lacking in a single area is not usually considered mature. Someone who is not mature will show more signs of being irresponsible, easily angered, irrational, not very logical, focused on less important things in life and often self-centered or self-serving.

While maturity is usually subjective, it is generally agreed upon whether someone is mature or not. Also, the best way to figure out if you are mature or not is by asking others. A self evaluation is not reliable as most immature people do not see themselves that way.

Maturity is simply successfully having your lifestyle and actions accepted by the society you live in.

I think maturity is being responsible, righting your wrongs, and apologizing for any wrongs you did. So many adults act like children in arguments, like calling names and trying to provoke others for the sake of an argument, etc. I think that's immature. Maturity is doing what's right even if it's hard. Maturity isn't acting like an adult at all times, but doing what is right and acting adult when needed. I think it's good to still have a childish (in a good way, i.e. fun, etc.) side when you are older because who would want to be serious and rigid all the time?
But yeah, that's basically what maturity is to me.

I'm going to move this on over to General Discussion, since it seems more appropriate there. If, for some reason, a debate does get started in this thread, I can move it back, but for now, I think GD is a better place for it.

Maturity is a funny thing... as I've seen people gain it at a VERY young age, and I've seen older people lose it and become immature.

Maturity I think is the ability to be rational and sensible in a logical way and handling things in an understanding way. Example: I find that parents who try to control a child fighting for independence to be the same as fighting over a toy as a child, it's immature. Sharing the concerns with the child (or sharing the toy) would constitute a more mature person.

Which based on that, while it is rare yes a child can be more mature than an adult. I've seen it happen, so maturity is nothing to do with age, but how you deal with things in your life.

Originally Posted by hayzel

There are different kinds of Maturity.

Physical and sexual maturity is based on you're bodies place in growth and in the balance of hormones.

Mental or Characteristic Maturity can exist in very young children and not exist in adults because it is not based on how long you've lived on this earth or how fast or slow you're body develops.

Characteristic Maturity is usually based on a high level of other characteristics such as responsibility, good temper, rationality, and wisdom or the successful application of knowledge.

Typically, someone who is considered "mature" has a combination of all these qualities. Someone who is lacking in a single area is not usually considered mature. Someone who is not mature will show more signs of being irresponsible, easily angered, irrational, not very logical, focused on less important things in life and often self-centered or self-serving.

While maturity is usually subjective, it is generally agreed upon whether someone is mature or not. Also, the best way to figure out if you are mature or not is by asking others. A self evaluation is not reliable as most immature people do not see themselves that way.

This is probably one of the best worded explainations for maturity I've ever read... It's all true. Maturity is the ability to be responsible, act rationally and calmly, and apply to be able to use the knowledge and wisdom we've gained through life experiences, and to learn from our mistakes. Not only to learn though, but also to own up to it when we make a mistake. Not a lot of people are able to do this.

Maturity is not something that just happens as we get older, it's something that has to be learned, I think.

I honestly don't think anybody fully "matures" only because we are all human and we are all stupid in our own way. (That was a compliment of the sort, not an insult. Don't flame me.) For example: An adult is classified as an adult when they turn 18, yet some do not mature and grow. You see these "grown adults" getting drunk, having sex, and partying. That sounds pretty childish to me. I hate it aswell when an older person uses the excuse "well I'm older." By the law, yes they are... but if we were to take a look into their mind... they can even be younger. I have had multiple experiences where I feel so much older and wiser then alot of older teens. Another example: In my drama class, this 17 and 18 year old brought in alcohol and started flipping out. Alot of the freshmen just sat there. These 2 people drinking were seniors and these 14/15 year old freshmen looked far more mature. So, with that said.. I think your grown when you take responsibily for your actions and take charge of your life. Until then, no matter what age you are.. you are still just a baby.

This is probably one of the best worded explainations for maturity I've ever read... It's all true.

Thank you. ^.^