12 Steps to Recovered Relationships — Exercise 3
Exercise 3: Finally, if you are not sure what it looks like to be grown up, check out the list below of behaviors/attitudes that reflect maturity.
EMOTIONAL MATURITY
The mature person has developed attitudes in relation to himself and his environment which have lifted him above “childishness” in thought and behavior.
Some of the characteristics of the person who has achieved true adulthood are suggested here:
· They accept criticism gratefully, being honestly glad for an opportunity to improve.
· They do not indulge in self-pity; and begun to feel the laws of compensation operating in all life.
· They do not expect special consideration from anyone.
· They control their temper.
· They meet emergencies with poise.
· Their feelings are not easily hurt.
· They accept the responsibility of their own acts without trying to “alibi.”
· They have outgrown the “all or nothing” stage. They recognize that no person or situation is wholly good or wholly bad; and begin to appreciate the Golden Mean.
· They are not impatient at reasonable delays. They have learned that they are not the arbiter of the universe and must often adjust self to other people and their convenience.
· They are good losers being able to endure defeat and disappointment without whining or complaining.
· They do not worry unduly about things that cannot be helped.
· They are not given to boasting or “showing off” in socially unacceptable ways.
· They are honestly glad when others enjoy success or good fortune and have outgrown envy and jealousy.
· They are open-minded enough to listen thoughtfully to the opinions of others.
· They are not chronic “fault-finders.”
· They plan things in advance rather than trusting to the inspiration of the moment.
Last of all, we think in terms of spiritual maturity.
· They have faith in a Power greater than self.
· They feel an organic part of mankind as a whole, contributing their part to each group of which they are a member.
· They obey the spiritual essence of the Golden Rule: “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”