We will all eventually meet an impossibly immature person, even if we don't like it or not.It can be a problem in your life.You'll be able to deal with that person with ease if you have some understanding, self-restraint, and practice.
Step 1: Consider the person's age.
The word immature means that the person is not fully developed.The younger the person, the more difficult it may be.Understand immaturity in younger people.A young boy might be acting like a child, for instance, by joking about his penises and farting on his friends.This may be normal behavior for someone his age, and should be ignored.Before you get angry, allow younger people to grow up and mature.A grown person who seems mature on the other hand.Someone who has moved beyond fart jokes may still lack emotional maturity, as she may be inconsiderate, unable to accept blame for her mistakes, or try to make you jealous or angry.
Step 2: Understand mature and immature reactions.
Extreme situations can sometimes cause emotionally immature reactions, called age regression, which can blur the lines between adult and childish emotions.When you see someone reacting maturely, react more thoughtfully.There are many ways to determine if the reaction is an adult or immature.A person who is immature will be reactive, act out his emotions, and see himself as a victim.He needs to be self-centered and concerned with self protection, as well as being motivated by fear or a feeling that he "has to" do something.A person who is showing emotional maturity will: be open to hearing others' perspectives, be proactive, and be motivated by growth, not because he feels he must; act with integrity, meaning his actions will align with his values.
Step 3: A person might be emotionally immature.
People who are immature find it hard to cope with their emotions, and often feel like they can't change their situation or improve their life.She never learned how to deal with difficult emotions.If you realize that she is acting from a place of fear, you may be able to understand her better.
Step 4: Mental health issues should be acknowledged.
The person you are dealing with may have a personality disorder.Some disorders of this type can appear to be immature.A person who appears to be "immature" may actually have a neurological disorder.She may have trouble paying attention and talk too much, may appear bossy or interrupt conversations, become aggressive when frustrated, or have difficulty controlling her emotions.Major mood swings are associated with borderline personality disorder.People with a personality disorder are often unkind.Those with histrionic personality disorder can be very emotional in order to get attention.People who have an exaggerated view of their worth, diminished empathy towards others, and a vulnerability that could cause outbursts are all examples of a person with a personality disorder.
Step 5: It's not possible to force someone to change.
If the person is unwilling to take steps to change his behavior, there is little you can do.A hallmark of emotional immaturity is blaming other people or circumstances for one's bad behavior, so it may be difficult for an emotionally immature person to realize he needs to change.How you react to the person and how much time you spend with them are the only things you can control.
Step 6: Try to keep your distance from the person.
Depending on the severity of the person's immaturity and willingness to change, you may need to cut her out of your life.If your significant other is not willing to change, you may need to end the relationship.If the person you can't remove from your life is a boss, coworker, or family member, try to limit your contact as much as possible.As long as possible, keep your interactions brief.Say something like, "I'm sorry to cut this short, but I need to get back to work on my project."Do your best to avoid her in a social setting.
Step 7: Speak assertively.
If you must communicate with an emotionally immature person, try to do so clearly and assertively.Being assertive doesn't mean being aggressive, but being respectful of other people's needs, feelings, and wants.Let go of the outcome and state what you need.The immature person may not respond maturely if you communicate your needs.You can learn more about being assertive by reading this article.
Step 8: Talk to the person.
If you think the person is willing to listen to feedback, and you want to keep her in your life, then you should talk to her about her behavior.Prepare yourself for her to become defensive, which could interfere with getting your message across.She should talk to a counselor or someone who can help her learn how to communicate maturely.What effects does immature behavior have on you?When you don't take on more responsibility in the house, I feel overwhelmed.Is it possible that you would help me out every week?Give the person specific things she can do to help out.If she's willing, you can remind her that change can be difficult, but you want to be with her to help her grow and mature.
Step 9: Ignore.
It's the easiest way to react to an immature person trying to get your attention.By responding to the behavior, you're reinforcing her immature actions.She will give up if you ignore her, as she will be frustrated with her unsuccessful attack on you.It's important for you to disengage from the immature person if she is trying to upset you.Look away from her.Turn your head or look away.Don't acknowledge her presence.To her, turn your back.Turn around if she circles to face you.Go away.Avoid her as quickly as possible until she stops following.You can try an e-ignore approach.It is difficult to talk to someone who is constantly on their phone.You will be so engaged that you won't notice them.
Step 10: The person should leave you alone.
If the person won't budge, you may need to tell him that you cannot engage with him anymore.Ask him to leave you alone and remove yourself from the caustic environment at the same time.Let him off easy by saying, "please leave me alone right now."Get to the point and tell him what you want, leave him alone.The broken record technique is used when the conversation is over."This conversation is over," repeat your refusal.Try to walk away while remaining calm.
Step 11: Inform the person that she is doing something.
The person may not know she is being immature.Learning to deal with younger and less mature people is part of maturing.Confronting the immature person may cause them to avoid you.I don't appreciate your behavior.Inform her that she is being very immature.Do you realize how immature you are right now?
Step 12: Do not fight fire with fire.
Giving the person a taste of his own medicine could backfire if you respond immaturely.In a work situation, immature behavior could get you in trouble.Egging on an immature person who is aggressive or has a temper could be dangerous.If you feel like reacting to the person, disengage and walk away from him.
Step 13: Get assistance.
If the person is aggressive and won't stop bothering you, you should talk to a lawyer or the police.People are not allowed to touch or harass you.These people will probably not stop bothering you until someone is able to exert influence on them.You can use your social support network.If contact with the person is unavoidable, find a friend, family member, teacher or school administrator, boss, or anyone you trust and ask for help.Tell the person you are going to call the police.The threat of authorities may make him stop bothering you.You can call the police.You may be able to file a police report if you fear for your safety or if the person is threatening you or stalking you.Take detailed notes about each incident so you have a record of how long the harassment has been going on.Threats, repeated telephone calls, texts, email, leaving notes or other contact, following someone, blackmail, and slashing car tires are examples of harassment.Consider filing a restraining order.You can talk to the police or a lawyer if you want to file for a restraining order.