Many people think that maturity comes with age. But that’s too simple.
Look around you. You’ll see that some people, even though they’re married with kids, still act like kids. They don’t take responsibility for themselves.
But some young people are already great at taking care of themselves and their families. Charlotte got bullied, so she called her mom for comfort. But when she learned her mom was going through a tough time, she ended up comforting her mom instead.
So how do you know if someone is truly mature? There are two main signs:
Be Kind: A Quality That Comes From Within
The books you read and the experiences you have shape your heart. It becomes soft and gentle, making you kinder to others.
This is one sign of a mature person.
A mature person doesn’t just talk about being kind. They show it in their actions and their thoughts. Being around them feels like tasting a ripe, juicy fruit—it’s sweet and delicious and makes you feel happy.
Kindness attracts other positive people, making your life and work smoother.
Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, is very kind. He doesn’t see himself as above his employees. To make communication easier, he doesn’t even have his own office. He works at a desk in the same area as everyone else.
Because of this, employees feel comfortable talking to him. When they see a problem, they tell him, and he fixes it quickly. Facebook has grown rapidly, becoming a social media giant with billions of dollars in revenue.
While a mature person isn’t always successful, successful people are usually mature.
They succeed because their hearts are as vast as the ocean, embracing everything. They know how to put themselves in other people’s shoes, not making themselves or others uncomfortable. They approach relationships with an empty cup mentality, believing that giving kindness brings its own rewards.
They know: How you treat the world, the world will treat you.
Going Solo: Allowing Your Mind and Body to Grow
Another sign of maturity is going solo. This doesn’t mean isolating yourself. It means setting aside time to be alone, blocking out distractions, and letting your mind and body grow.
“Silence during solitude strengthens your brain’s memory, helping you reflect on your inner world.”
When you’re alone, you don’t need to please anyone or pretend to be someone you’re not. You can be your true self. This is the perfect time to explore your inner world and discover hidden talents.
Some people say that solitude is what truly separates you from others.
If you never have time to be alone, if you’re always socializing, you can’t quiet your mind and talk to yourself. You don’t know what you truly need or where to focus your efforts.
Mature people enjoy going solo. They make space and time to become better versions of themselves.
Kindness and Solitude Aren’t Opposing Forces
Being kind but going solo might seem contradictory. But if you think about it, they actually work together.
Kind people are often naturally good or they’ve been through a lot. We don’t need to talk about the former. The latter become wiser because of their experiences. They stay calm in stressful situations, they’re reserved but not cold, and they keep a balanced perspective on success and failure.
Confucius, for example, went through a lot of hardship in his life. He experienced firsthand how tough life can be and understood that everyone has their own struggles. So he treated all his students the same, regardless of their background.
“Compassion comes from understanding.”
People with this quality don’t judge others harshly. They respect every life, believing in equality. They don’t act superior or put themselves down.
But not all experiences make you more refined and soften your heart.
Besides gaining life experience, you also need to spend time alone to learn and reflect. This helps you grow mentally and emotionally.
Only by working on both your inner and outer self can you become strong enough to handle life’s uncertainties and mature into a well-rounded person.
When your mind is mature, you no longer need the protection of a group. You’re not afraid of being alone or being judged. You take responsibility for your actions.
Most people go through life alone, from birth to death. Many hope for outside approval, only to realize that the world is their own and has nothing to do with others.
Mature people are kind but prefer to go solo. The former is a reflection of their character, and the latter is a necessary step on the path to maturity.
Mature people see the truth of life. They can blend in with others, but they can also stand alone. Even if their actions aren’t understood, they continue to be themselves.
“Gain universal wisdom and adjust your behavior accordingly. Even if your individuality makes you unpopular… then so be it.”