Examining Immaturity

The Changing Concepts of Immaturity

What is age, if nothing but a number! Or so the “18 till I die” generation believes. There was a time when the word immaturity had only negative connotations attached to it; now, however, immaturity is a term which we have come to be secretly proud of! After all, being immature gives us the right to stay a commitment-phobic single, make impulsive decisions, and behave like we are 18 when we are actually pushing 30. Immaturity allows us to stretch our adolescent years for as long as we want. It makes us feel young!

Why Has the Concept of Immaturity Changed?

So what has made us change our concept of immaturity? Perhaps it has to do with our present-day obsession with holding on to youth. An entire industry has grown around the human desire to stay young; whether it’s by botox, cosmetic surgeries, or anti-wrinkle creams, we want to look and feel young for as long as possible. The new age “immature” lifestyle is perhaps another manifestation of this desire.

Immaturity in relationships has also become a common phenomenon. Settling down and finding someone is no longer something to be proud of, and there is an increasing number of individuals who take pride in their commitment phobia! Even on the professional front immaturity has taken its toll; the increasing incidence of quarter-life crises is perhaps an indication of this fact.

Just a decade ago immature adults did not find the societal acceptance they enjoy today. Media’s portrayal of immature adults as likeable characters (The entire cast of characters on Friends, for example.) and the platform provided by blogs probably has a lot to do with this acceptance.

Is Immaturity Good or Bad?

The question now is whether this new concept of immaturity is a good thing. To label it as good or bad, however, is not easy. One can’t help but admit that the acceptance of immaturity gives us the freedom to keep our inner child alive! Ironically enough, prolonged immaturity also brings a huge amount of psychological stress with it. Lack of emotional support (because of shallow relationships) and the stress of not knowing where to go next in life often cause mental breakdowns in adults.

The best way of deal with immaturity is perhaps by taking the middle path. This means that we should keep the impulsiveness of immaturity and let go of the commitment phobia; keep the innocence and let go off the emotional retardation; keep the spirit of adventure but let go of the recklessness; and keep the youthfulness but let go of the childishness!

Until next time, embrace your inner wisdom.

Namaste,
Karen