Are You Emotionally Mature?

Emotional maturity is the ability to manage your emotional reactions under any circumstances. Knowing how to respond to others, and yourself, in difficult situations is a skill set we continuously work on and try to improve. How emotionally mature are you?

Take our Emotional Maturity Quiz:

When someone on whom you depend emotionally lets you down or disappoints you, what is your first response?

• Do you sulk?
• Are you quick to anger?
• Do you freeze that person out?

The correct emotionally mature responses to all three is communication, trust and vulnerability.

Are you a sulker?

Try telling the person why you’re upset or why your feelings are hurt. Sulking only hurts you. Communication can go a long way in preventing misunderstandings and encouraging emotional maturity.

 

Are you quick to anger?

Anger and frustration can sometimes lead to us taking it out on innocent parties. The first person, or thing, we encounter can bear the brunt of our anger. Yelling and acting out is a protective defense that hides our fear of losing control or being rejected. The best way to counter this feeling? Take a moment to reflect. Try turning to a friend, family member, or professional to discuss what’s frustrating you without raising the emotional pitch. Learning to trust is a big part of reacting in a cool, calm and collected manner.

Do you turn cold?

Another reaction can be the temptation to freeze out or ignore someone who has disappointed you. Stop returning texts, ignore their posts on social media, send their calls directly to voicemail. Pretending indifference is a lot easier than admitting we’re hurt. But embracing your vulnerability takes courage. The best chance at achieving fulfilling personal relationships is to allow yourself to be vulnerable. Being hurt is part of the process, not the end of it.

We’re all works in progress. Having the right tools can go a long way in helping you maintain emotional maturity and continue to grow.