10 Signs You’re a Man-Child

Emotional immaturity can strain any relationship. Recognize the signs and develop healthier coping mechanisms. A user took to the forum and asked “what are the signs that a guy is not mentally and emotionally matured?” and here are the top picks: 

1. When “No” Is Not An Option

Recognizing signs of defensiveness, anger, and entitlement in response to rejection can help identify individuals who are immature. 

“Reacts badly to hearing “no” instead of calmly accepting it like an adult is a sign of an immature guy.” said one.

“It’s scary that this is the majority of men I’ve come in contact with. It’s like they never learned to be okay with the word NO.” another added.

2. Inability To Accept Responsibility

Emotionally immature men often struggle to accept responsibility for their actions and regulate their emotions. These red flags can manifest as an inability to admit fault or communicate effectively.

“When he never admits he’s wrong—a lack of emotional regulation. A mature man can understand his emotions, process them and properly communicate them.” a user said.

“It can be frustrating and disheartening to be around someone who can’t take responsibility for their actions or control their emotions. It can be easy to overlook red flags in the early stages of a relationship, so knowing what to look for is essential.” another said.

3. Men Who Are Uncomfortable With Menstruation

“If he thinks periods are ick and throws a tantrum if you send him out to pick up tampons, he is immature.” a user said.

“When I told my ex I was on my period, he would recoil and fake gag.” another said.

4. Destructive Behaviors In Men

Destructive behavior, such as punching holes in walls or breaking furniture angrily, indicates a lack of emotional control and immaturity. 

“Being quick to anger destroys things like punching holes in walls or breaking furniture. Bonus when they aren’t the ones who fix their messes.” said one.

“Being quick to anger at all, or especially over little things. It is not fun to constantly live around.” another added.

5. Recognizing And Addressing Mood-Based Behavior

Men who base their behavior on fluctuating moods can create uncertainty and anxiety in relationships.

“If he treats you based on how he’s feeling, justifies his behavior on how he’s feeling, he is emotionally immature.” said one.

“The conditional affection gets draining; it also keeps you on a string if you’re like me; instead of realizing it’s based on their mood, you think it because of yourself, and you just constantly put in that effort because /sometimes/he’ll treat you the way you want.” a user added.

6. Victim Mentality

“Victim mentality. Somehow his exes are always the ones who have done him wrong. They do not know how to realize or articulate their emotions. No ambition AND no action towards making those ambitions reality.” a user shared.

7. Refusal To Discuss Negative Behavior 

“My ex used to get incredibly angry and defensive when we discussed anything negative about his behavior. He would refuse to talk about things he didn’t want to talk about and yell at me if I ever said that he did something wrong or wasn’t treating me well. I think these are good hallmarks of emotional immaturity when it comes to a relationship.” said one.

“Stayed six years with this guy and recently got dumped. He said I stopped communicating. How could I when he always invalidates and dismisses everything I say? A straightforward discussion of how I want to address something would always blow up and become a blaming game. I wasn’t even trying to point fingers, I just wanted to find a resolution that would work for both of us.

It still hurts thinking about how he ended things, but good riddance, I didn’t deserve it.” another shared.

8. Fragile Male Ego

“Insecurity. They brag or show off, especially to other men or about ‘macho’ things- how many women they have slept with, how tough they are, their truck/guns/ love of MMA—performative masculinity.

Or conversely, they try to build themselves up by putting others down. Some men do this. But with some men, it’s more subtle. They seem like an okay guy, then out of the left field, ‘women take good men for granted and just want a wallet.’

All men don’t have fragile male egos. But the ones who do are insufferable.” said one.

9. Compulsive Lying 

“The lies. A liar should never be in a relationship with anyone, especially the compulsive one. EVER.” said one.

“Ghosting, Lies are the signs of immature behavior.” another added.

10. Invalidation Of Women’s Emotions

“Thinks that women complain too much or that we get frustrated (or are unsatisfied) with certain things they do, and when we voice these things, they think we are too sensitive. They don’t know that we voice these things after we’ve thought about it and kept it in for a long while. When we finally get our thoughts out to them, they think, “oh, there she goes again.” And when they “apologize” because they don’t want to deal with women complaining for the things men do.” said one.

Have you experienced any of these behaviors in your relationships? What are your thoughts on addressing and overcoming emotional and mental immaturity in men? Share your viewpoints.

12 Cities in the U.S. That Are a Total Nightmare to Live In (or Visit)

Looking to relocate? Here are 12 cities in the US where you might want to avoid setting up roots. These cities are plagued by problems like high crime rates, poor infrastructure, and a lack of affordable housing. Read here.

15 Things We All Need to Stop Buying. It’s Total Waste Of Money

To save money, reduce clutter, and help the environment, here are 15 things we can all stop buying. 

15 “Non-Religious” Cults That Almost Feel Religious. Are You Guilty Of Being A Part Of Any?

So many fads are turning into some “divine” stuff people follow with an “almost religious” devotion. Here are 15 non-religious cults that feel like religious ones.

15 Physical Traits That Might Make You Less Dateable

Physical attraction is an essential factor in many romantic relationships. However, it’s important to remember that everyone has different preferences. Read here. 

The Exodus: Why People Are Leaving Religion in Droves

Religion is a personal and complex topic, and there are many reasons why someone might turn their back on it. Read why people are leaving religion.

This article was originally published on Mrs. Daaku Studio.