The question we all really want an answer to – what age does a man emotionally mature? When I was 18, I thought an emotionally mature man would be 24 or 25. I clearly learned the hard way. I waited year after year, hoping that the guys who were a little older than me would be more emotionally mature, but alas, I was sorely mistaken. My guess is that you’re probably in the same boat as me.
It’s a lonely ride and you’re probably trying not to capsize from all the fuck boys surrounding you. I get it. Now, of course, there are some men who are more mature at their age, but we can’t fight with science. They’ve come out with some grueling numbers.
# He can communicate his needsIf he’s mentally a boy, he’ll struggle with expressing his emotions and needs in a mature way. However, a man who’s emotionally mature can have uncomfortable conversations with you in hopes of reaching a positive conclusion. Getting a passive-aggressive text isn’t the sign of a mature man. Regardless of the topic, he can sit down and discuss it with you.
# He expresses his feelings
There’s this idea going around that men shouldn’t express their emotions as it’s a sign of weakness. However, that’s the mentality of an immature man. Instead, a mature man has no problem expressing his emotions and doesn’t refrain from showing them. They’re aware of the consequences of what happens when you suppress how you feel.
# His friends are emotionally mature
You cannot be an emotionally mature man if the closest people around you are immature. How can you grow in that environment? If you want to know if a man is emotionally mature, look at his friends. They’ll give you a decent insight as to how they are as people. You are who you hang out with, so, if you’re unsure about your man, look at this core group of friends.
# He wants to grow
I’m not talking about height. A mature man wants to continue to grow and learn things, not only about himself but about his partner as well. History repeats itself and he knows that.
By pushing himself to grow and be open with himself, friends, family, and you, he’s focusing on tackling issues in his past and working on becoming a better person. [Read: 33 signs and qualities of a really great boyfriend]
# He listens, like, really listens
Usually, when an emotionally immature man is listening to you, he ends up explaining how you should fix it without you asking him for help. If you’re talking to someone, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you need something fixed, sometimes you just want an ear. An emotionally mature man will recognize when you need a comforting shoulder and when you’re asking for advice.
# He respects your boundariesA fuck boy will push your boundaries in hopes of getting only what he wants. He’s not concerned about you or your feelings and this is a sign of an immature man. But an emotionally mature man will respect your boundaries. Whatever they may be. You have these boundaries for a reason. He may question why you have them but this is only so he has a better understanding.
# He sees emotions as strengthMen are terrified of being vulnerable because it’s been drilled into our heads that it’s a weakness. However, part of being emotionally mature is understanding that vulnerability requires actual strength. They’re able to leave their ego at the door and admit that they need help or support during hard times. Everyone goes through a hard time but an immature man will not be able to handle it.