15 Things A Mature Man Just Won’t Do

15 Things A Mature Man Just Won’t Do

The idea that being “mature” has to mean being some kind of old fuddy-duddy like your grandpa is ridiculous. In reality, it’s all about acting like an intelligent, considerate adult who knows how to treat other people with courtesy and respect and who handles his business. With that in mind, there are some things a genuinely mature dude just won’t do.

1. Duck Out of Talking About His Feelings

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A mature dude knows that keeping all his feelings locked up isn’t the way to go. He gets that it’s cool to talk about what’s going on inside, whether he’s pumped about something or feeling a bit down. He’s not about hiding behind some tough-guy act. Instead, he’s totally up for sharing his thoughts and isn’t afraid to show his softer side. This kind of honesty doesn’t just make him a solid guy to be around; it also means he’s building real, no-messing-around connections with others.

2. Bail on Stuff He’s Supposed to Do

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A guy who’s got his act together isn’t going to flake on his responsibilities. He’s not the type to make lame excuses or point fingers when it comes to stuff he’s got to handle. Whether it’s work, his relationships, or just everyday life stuff, he’s on it. He knows that part of being a stand-up guy is being someone people can rely on. Paying bills, showing up on time, and sticking to his word – that’s just his style. It’s all about being dependable and taking care of business.

3. Blame other people for his problems

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A mature man knows that pointing fingers is a no-go. When things go south, he doesn’t start a blame fest. Instead, he looks at what he could’ve done better and learns from it. He gets that owning up to his part in a mess-up is way cooler than trying to dodge it. It’s all about taking responsibility, not just when things are cruising, but especially when they hit a bit of a snag. He’s the guy who faces the music, learns his lesson, and moves on smarter.

4. Avoid Serious Talks About the Future

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A guy who’s got his head on straight isn’t scared to chat about the future, be it plans, dreams, or the serious stuff like relationships and career goals. He doesn’t shrug off these talks or change the subject. He’s all in for sitting down and mapping out where things are heading. It’s about being forward-thinking and not just living in the moment. He knows that planning ahead is part of making sure things go the way he wants.

5. Keep Score in Relationships

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In relationships, a mature man doesn’t keep a scoreboard. He’s not tallying who did what, when, and how many times. He understands that relationships are about give and take, not keeping tabs. That’s because he’s not a man-child. It’s about being generous without expecting something in return every time. He’s the type to do nice things just because, not because he’s expecting a payback. It’s about being selfless and showing care because that’s just who he is.

6. Let His Ego Run the Show

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A grown-up guy knows that his ego shouldn’t be calling the shots. He doesn’t need to always be right or have the last word in an argument, so he doesn’t get too defensive when he’s not or he doesn’t. He’s secure enough to admit when he’s wrong and doesn’t let his pride get in the way of making things right. It’s about being humble and open to other points of view, even if it means he isn’t the star of the show. He values harmony and understanding over winning an argument.

7. Shy Away from New Experiences

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The mature man is all about trying new things and isn’t afraid to step out of his comfort zone. He’s not stuck in a ‘this is how I’ve always done it’ mindset. Whether it’s traveling to new places, trying out a new hobby, or just switching up his routine, he’s open to what life has to offer. He understands that growth comes from new experiences and isn’t afraid to mix things up.

8. Ignore His Own Health

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A mature man takes his health seriously. He’s not ignoring doctor’s appointments or living on junk food. He knows taking care of his body is part of taking care of his overall life. It’s not about being a fitness fanatic; it’s about respecting his body and staying healthy. Regular check-ups, a decent diet, and a bit of exercise are part of his agenda.

9. Get Stuck in His Ways

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He knows that being flexible is key. He’s not so set in his ways that there’s no room for change. He adapts, adjusts, and is open to new ideas, whether it’s at work, in his personal life, or just in general. He understands that being rigid can hold him back, so he stays open to different perspectives and changes. It’s about being resilient and adaptable, not stuck in old patterns.

10. Look For The Easy Way Out

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Whether it’s a work project, a personal goal, or something as simple as fixing something around the house, he puts in the effort to do it right. He values the satisfaction of a job well done over the quick satisfaction of a job just done. This approach reflects his overall attitude towards life – focusing on substance and integrity rather than just surface-level achievements or temporary fixes.

11. Avoid Honest Self-Reflection

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A mature man isn’t afraid to look in the mirror, metaphorically speaking, and assess himself honestly. He’s open to self-reflection and doesn’t shy away from acknowledging areas where he could improve. He knows that understanding his strengths and weaknesses is key to personal growth. This self-awareness isn’t about being self-critical; it’s about being self-conscious in the best possible way. It leads to a life of continuous growth and improvement, not just complacency with the status quo.

12. Stop Respecting Other People’s Time and Commitments

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Respecting others’ time and commitments is a hallmark of a mature man. He understands that his time isn’t more valuable than anyone else’s. He’s punctual, keeps his promises, and doesn’t overcommit. If he says he’ll be somewhere or do something, he sticks to it. This reliability extends to his professional and personal life, showing his respect and consideration for others. It’s about valuing others as much as he values himself.

13. Destroy Long-Term Relationships for Short-Term Gains

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He doesn’t burn bridges for a quick advantage. Whether it’s with friends, family, or colleagues, he invests in relationships, understanding that these bonds are more valuable than a momentary win. He’s not about using people for his benefit; he’s about building and maintaining healthy, mutually respectful relationships. He knows that true success isn’t just measured by what he achieves but also by the quality of the relationships he nurtures along the way.

14. Fail to Give Credit Where It’s Due

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A mature man doesn’t hog the spotlight. He recognizes the contributions of others and gives credit where it’s due. He’s not trying to take all the glory for himself. When he achieves something, whether in a team at work or in a personal project, he acknowledges the role others played in that success. It’s not just about being humble; it’s about being fair and appreciating other people’s effort. It shows his understanding that very few great things in life are achieved solo.

15. Disregard the Importance of Personal Development

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He recognizes the importance of continuously working on himself. He doesn’t just coast along, thinking he’s done learning and growing. Whether it’s picking up a new skill, improving his emotional intelligence, or expanding his knowledge, he’s always on the lookout for ways to better himself. This commitment to personal development shows that he doesn’t see growth as a destination, but as a lifelong journey. He understands that to keep moving forward in life, you have to keep evolving as a person. It’s about being the best version of himself, not just for his benefit but for those around him too.

Josh grew up in Connecticut and thought he could never be happier away from big bodies of water until he moved to Minneapolis and fell in love with it. He writes full-time, with his lifestyle content being published in the likes of Men's Health, Business Insider, and many more. When he's not writing, he likes running (but not enough to train for a marathon even though his buddy won't stop asking him).