As a 41 (soon to be 42) year old, I cringe when former classmates act as if they haven't matured since high school. In fact, back in 2019, I made a classic YouTube speech blasting a former classmate by saying "you need to grow up already, you're almost 40"
you can watch it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=se1i4xC1C54
Over the years, you're supposed to gain wisdom about life. You're supposed to learn from past situations and adjust your ways of dealing with situations. Because you're not going to deal with every situation that exists, you should be learning about people whose situations are different from yours. You should take note of how not to offend innocent people.
None of this is easy. I slip up from time to time. It's a long learning process. But you have to make a real effort.
But maturity doesn't mean getting rid of all child-like qualities.
Maturity doesn't mean you have to be boring 24-7!
The reason I bring this up is because recently one of my former college classmates (about the same age as me) shared this great meme on Facebook.
-transcript from that meme-
Tweet by: sunlitallegory-deactivated20171You’re too old for that.”Is really a shitty concept. You’re too old for everything. Cartoons, sleepovers, candy, etc. Basically, you’re too old for fun. You shouldn’t be too old for fun ever in your life. If you want to watch cartoons, do it! If you want to have sleepovers, do it!User: furlockhoundCS Lewis famously said that the intrusive desire to appear grown up all costs was in of itself a childish trait that secure adults should’ve grown out of it.He worded it that “When I was young I hid my love of fairy tails for fear of ridicule, now that I’m 50 I read them openly”User: scaliefoxAll this is true.The intrusive desire to appear “mature” is a major insecurity in and of itself and the sooner we learn hobbies have no age limit that get’s you thrown out for hitting it, the better
My former college classmate then commented with this classic comment.
I still collect dolls. I wear Minnie ears. I read mostly YA novels and manga. I dance around the house and sing. I play the Sims (too much). I still sleep with a stuffed animal. In fact I have two shelves full of stuffed animals.A few people in my 40 years on this earth have told me I’m immature.Hells yes I am.
In a way, I can relate!
I still love stuffed animals, action figures, toy cars, rubber duckies, children's entertainment (though admittedly, I'm not exactly up to date with the latest), cute stickers, drawing pictures, and taking naps.
I found a great joy in working with children back when I used to be a substitute teacher. Most of them haven't been beaten down by life yet, and they're not ashamed to smile, play pretend, dance or sing!
Having such childlike qualities doesn't mean you haven't matured! If you are a respectful person and take care of your business, then you are mature, even if you love stuffed animals, Disney characters, and YA lit!
Being disrespectful, being "never wrong", being drunk, being obnoxious, doing things that are harmful to others, having excessive insecurity, and being inappropriate with your humor................. THAT is being Too Immature!
Let's put it this way: Owl City makes songs for children to enjoy. Mister Rogers made shows geared to children. No scandals from either of them. They are mature!
However, people like Donald Trump, Aries Spears and Jeremy Kaufman thrive on bullying others just because they are different from them. They think toughness is all about ridiculing the vulnerable. They think having some level of sensitivity makes you a "crybaby". They can't relate to people who have matured since middle school. THAT is being Too Immature!
