How can one classify a true
adult? Many people directly attribute age to adulthood. The problem
with this methodology becomes evident when you discuss the topic with various
people of different cultural backgrounds.
If you ask each of them what
age they believe constitutes the point at which a person progresses from
childhood into adulthood, their answers will always be different.
Why? Because every one of the answers are based on subjective
opinion. Adulthood is not based age; it’s based strictly on emotional
maturity.
So what constitutes emotional
maturity, and thus adulthood? Here are 20 defining characteristics of a
true adult:
1. Realizing that maturity is an
ongoing process, not a state, and continuously striving for self improvement.
2. Able to manage personal jealousy
and feelings of envy.
3. Has the ability to listen to and
evaluate the viewpoints of others.
4. Maintains patience and
flexibility on a daily basis.
5. Accepts the fact that you can’t
always win, and learns from mistakes instead of whining about the outcome.
6. Does not overanalyze negative
points, but instead looks for the positive points in the subject being
analyzed.
7. Is able to differentiate between
rational decision making and emotional impulse.
8. Understands that no skill or
talent can overshadow the act of preparation.
9. Capable of managing temper and
anger.
10. Keeps other people’s feeling in
mind and limits selfishness.
11. Being able to distinguish
between ‘needs’ and ‘wants’.
12. Shows confidence without being
overly arrogant.
13. Handles pressure with self composure.
14. Takes ownership and
responsibility of personal actions.
15. Manages personal fears.
16. Able to see the various shades
of grey between the extremes of black and white in every situation.
17. Accepts negative feedback as a
tool for self improvement.
18. Aware of personal insecurities
and self-esteem.
19. Able to separate true love from
transitory infatuation.
20. Understanding that open
communication is the key to progression.
Above all, true adults do what they
have to do when it is required of them, and they do what they want when they
can. They are able to distinguish between the two and manage their time
and efforts accordingly.
