THE EMOTIONALLY IMMATURE

When someone is emotionally immature, it means they lack the depth and understanding about their emotions. They are unable to communicate and process things related to their relationships. They also lack empathy and ability to understand other people’s emotional experiences. Often this type of immaturity is depicted in behavior that is out of control or does not relate to the situation at hand. It’s more like an adult with the emotional mindset of a child.

What Are The Signs of Emotional Immaturity?

People who are not emotionally mature lack the capability of being able to consider how their behavior affects others and aren’t able to connect and comprehend their own feelings. Whilst an emotionally mature person can accept criticism, learn from it and evolve from it. Emotionally mature adults spend time thinking about and planning for their future. People who are not emotionally mature usually don’t do these things. Emotionally immature people usually have commitment issues. They find talking about the future intimidating. They will try to avoid planning things with their partner because they are scared of giving up or limiting their freedom.

Also, an emotionally immature person cannot go deep in relationships. They will delay tough conversations because they cannot make sense of their own feelings. They may also find it too overwhelming to deal with. They are unable to connect with people on a deeper level, mostly due to their underlying fear of intimacy. Emotionally immature people also make everything about them. They are fond of bringing the “me factor” at the wrong times. These people simply cannot understand that the world doesn’t revolve around them.

If you find that the person you are dealing with doesn't pay attention to your concerns or interests, this means that that person has some emotional growth to undergo. Emotionally immature people are unable to own up to their mistakes. They are simply not accountable. Instead of accepting and admitting the fact that they messed up, they would rather place the blame on the other person or a situation beyond their control. They get overly defensive often.

How Do You Handle Emotionally Immature People?

The best thing to do is to bring it to the person’s attention. Try to talk to them and be open to feedback. Let the person know how their behavior affects you. Also use “I” statements and then propose the possible solutions. Doing this will help train your brain to respond, and not react to their responses out of anger and frustration. You should also avoid making excuses for their behavior and refrain from engaging with them anytime they make excuses for their poor choices. 

What you can’t do is force change. People have to come to their own awareness about these subconscious behavioral patterns on their own and most importantly they must be willing to. If you feel the relationship is valuable enough to you then you’ll find a way to exert unconditional love, and you’ll love and accept them wherever they are emotionally.