<p>Along with "love", this is one of the most misused words spoken by high schoolers. This will be a mini-rant, so be ready.</p>
<p>"Being Mature" is viewed by most high school students as the same as "being refined, polite, organized, ect." They think that if you crack a joke about something crude or politically incorrect, you are considered "immature." I think that is, and sorry for the lack of a better term, crap.</p>
<p>A Mature person is not a man that wears suits, discusses politics, and hates fun. No, I think that a mature person is a man who knows how to act, when to have fun, when to be serious. He is motivated and has a sense of awareness. On the other hand, and immature person is one who does not know when to quit, when to learn, when to quit speaking. He lacks ambition and is oblivious to his surroundings. </p>
<p>Now, I consider myself more on the "mature" side, because I am vigilant and careful. However, I am known to be very funny, sorry if I sound arrogant, and have a habit of being "politically correct" on a regular basis. Also, I am generally disorganized and messy. Despite this, I think I am "mature."</p>
<p>So, back to the point, what do you all consider maturity? Is it the ability to grow sideburns and to acquire a taste for freeform Jazz (yes, that was a Spongebob reference)? Or is the ability to understand your environment and your place in it?</p>
<p>I agree with you for the most part. Maturity is knowing when things are and are not appropriate. However, I also believe that maturity is taking responsibility for yourself. When you no longer blame parents, or teachers, or others for your mistakes, that is maturity. When you realize that pulling all-nighters for the heck of it is just plain dumb, that is maturity. It's those little things.</p>
<p>@ romanigypsyeyes, yeah, that is where I was kinda aiming. I am not very articulate, on and off line. That is the wonder of being an actor. They put all the words in your mouth so you don't have rely on your speaking, or typing, abilities in order to be witty.</p>
<p>^ Haha. I'm sorry but that reminded me of a joke. </p>
<p>What would an actor be without techies?
A naked person on a bare stage, with no lines, lights, sounds, or props. </p>
<p>What would a techie be without actors?
A person with marketable skills. </p>
<p>I'm sorry that was SO random. Anyways, I thought that might've been what you were getting at but I felt the need to elaborate because I am very hyper.</p>
<p>^ Lol, I dont know you well, but I have read enough on this site to give myself a general picture of who you are, and the thought of you being hyper sounds quite funny.</p>
<p>I like your point. I agree wholeheartedly. Plus, you had me in agreement just becausse you quoted Spongebob. I think it takes a unique type of genius (I've yet to decide if it's good or not.) to quote Spongebob.</p>
<p>I think maturity is definitely knowing when to be appropriate and when to have fun. I also think it's knowing not to get overworked on the little things. I think mature people have a bigger understanding of things and won't get mad over really stupid little things their friends (or other people) do.</p>
<p>Hm... a lot of maturity has to do with how well one conducts him or herself in different situations, notably ones that are outside of one's comfort zone. I'm definitely lacking in that respect -- I suck at talking to adults comfortably, haha, and I'm kinda sheltered. >__></p>
<p>Generally, though, I agree with rmadden and the majority of the posters in this thread. "The ability to understand your environment and your place in it" is a great definition. (:</p>
<p>I agree with you--I think those that lock themselves in a "cultured" bubble are actually the least mature. You can't just be aware of your own tastes but have to gauge where you sit in a social setting and learn how to react. Interaction not isolation!</p>
<p>I think I agree with you. But I also fit the more popular definition of mature. I use the best grammar I can, even online. I won't leave the house wearing shorts and a T-shirt, because those are things kids wear. I also keep crude jokes to a minimum.</p>
<p>But that doesn't mean I consider others to be immature, just because they act this way. I act the way I do because it's a personal preference, and I feel better if I act like an adult. I usually try to tone it down when I'm with my friends. They'd think I'm crazy if I started rambling about international economics. But at work, I can talk about international economics with my boss and it's great. People should definitely know how to adjust to their social environments.</p>