5 Qualities Of A Mature Adult
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

5 Qualities Of A Mature Adult

Are you wondering when you'll become an adult?

2426
5 Qualities Of A Mature Adult
National Public Radio

We all grow up imagining The Day We Become An Adult. For most of us, this fantasy happens when you turn 18 or 21. Some of us picture smoking or drinking legally, going out to clubs or traveling the world. Others fantasize about getting married and having children. No matter what the end result is, we often assumed when we were younger that we'd hit these milestones and suddenly just know that we were an adult. But I can speak from personal experience and say that the magical day when you're officially an adult does not exist. Your fantasy is just that – a fantasy. But never fear. There are milestones you can hit, probably gradually rather than suddenly, that can signal to yourself and others that you've reached adulthood. Here they are!

1. You have an open mind.

This one is more a maturity issue, but adulthood and maturity should come hand in hand (it doesn't for all of us). If you can truly take other people's viewpoints and opinions into consideration without judgment, then you've probably reached adulthood. An open mind does not mean you change your own opinions every couple of days. It does mean that you're willing to look at situations from a variety of angles, and that you know that life is never one-sided.

2. You can work hard.

There are a number of ways that one can work hard, whether physically, mentally or emotionally. If you can invest your entire energy into a project or goal, you're most likely going to be considered an adult. Those who haven't reached adulthood and aren't very mature may be very lazy, whine and complain about the tasks they're given, or start tasks but never finish them or follow through. This doesn't mean that you always have a job, because we all go between sometimes, and if you aren't physically or mentally well, this doesn't necessarily apply to you either. But you still fill your duties to the best of your ability.

3. You can manage your money.

This one goes hand in hand with No. 2. You know how to scrimp and save, you always pay your bills first, and you keep track of where your money goes, even if it's only in your head. You also know when to treat yourself, too. Managing money well is a true marker of adulthood.

4. You take responsibility for yourself.

It's a tough thing to do, but when you make a mistake own up to it. There is nothing more adult than keeping yourself accountable. You also are not ashamed to point out when you've messed up, even if someone doesn't notice right away. Adults know that mistakes happen, but that they don't need to be covered up so much as apologized for and rectified. Some mistakes can even be celebrated because they lead to a better understanding.

5. You try to keep a positive outlook.

Nothing is more mature and adult-like than looking on the bright side. Some who are immature may constantly complain about the wrong turns they've taken, or the misfortunes that have befallen them. If you're an adult, you know that being negative solves nothing. Being angry or upset solves nothing. You may occasionally slip into a complaint or two, but on the whole you keep your chin up.

Finally, no one can decide if you're an adult better than you. You may not feel like an adult because you haven't checked off enough years, or reached a certain milestone in your life. But you can self-evaluate and decide if you still need to work on molding yourself into a mature adult, or if you still have some growing to do.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58291
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37554
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959174
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

193215
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments