What features give infantile person away: Main signs of immaturity
What behavior and words give away an infantile person (photo: Freepik)
An infantile personality is traditionally characterized by emotional immaturity, inability to take responsibility and focus on their own desires, as well as biased characteristics.
It's hard to deal with an infantile person - they are unreliable, sometimes shocking with their views on life and demands on other people and the world. And the worst part is that infantilism can manifest itself at any age.
While in youth this can still be explained by age and lack of life experience, in adulthood it is difficult to accept.
1. Avoidance of responsibility
Infantile people often shift responsibility for their actions, problems, or mistakes to others. For example, they may blame their loved ones, the environment, or even fate for their failures.
2. Emotional immaturity
They demonstrate impulsivity and emotionality to intense emotional reactions. For example, resentment, tears, or aggression may arise over trivial matters.
3. Tendency to depend on others
Infantile people are often looking for someone to make important decisions for them. They are afraid of making independent decisions and want to avoid adult responsibilities.
4. The illusion of a carefree life
They may idealize childhood or adolescence, avoiding reality. Such people tend to live in comfort and pleasure, ignoring difficulties and responsibilities.
5. Prioritizing fun over duty
Important things are scheduled "for tomorrow," and time is devoted to entertainment, hobbies, or the search for instant gratification.
6. Self-centeredness
Infantile people are often focused on their own needs and desires, without considering the feelings or needs of others.
7. Inability to resolve conflicts
Instead of revealing a misunderstanding, an infantile personality causes conflicts, takes offense, or resorts to passive-aggressive behavior.
8. Instability in relationships
It is difficult for infantile people to build long-term relationships because they expect their partner to "look after" them, to take care of them, and to play the role of an "adult" in the couple.
9. A tendency to fantasize and daydream
They often spend time pursuing their dreams of a perfect life instead of working towards something more realistic. For example, they start their own business, which is sure to fail.
10. Self-doubt
Infantile people are afraid of failure and are afraid to leave their comfort zone. This manifests itself both in the choice of life path and in the behavior in everyday life.
What phrases give away infantile people
"It wasn't me," "He (she) did it..." - this is what young children mostly say. If an adult says this about something that is his or her own fault, it is a sign of infantilization. An even greater sign of immaturity would be to defend one's position of innocence as firmly as possible.
"I don't know what I want to do" - although this phrase indicates infantilism, it makes it clear that a person accepts the fact that he or she does not know where to go next. Admitting helplessness requires courage, and this is the first step towards growing up.
"I didn't think it was that important to you" - infantile people never think about others. For them, life is a game or has very little meaning. They believe that the seriousness of others is something strange.
"You didn't ask me for this (asked)" - a person who is an eternal child will never offer his help. He will wait until he is asked for it. If you hear that you should have asked for it yourself, take it as a typical manifestation of infantilism.
"This is who I am", "We are all built like this" - and other similar phrases that people with pronounced infantile traits often use to justify their strange and unhealthy behavior and mistakes. They say that they were born this way and it cannot be corrected, using age, gender, improper upbringing, a difficult childhood, or something else as excuses.
Why is it important to recognize infantilism
Being aware of infantile traits helps you understand yourself and others better. If these signs apply to you, this is not a reason for self-blame.
On the contrary, it is a chance to develop and work on yourself. After all, adulthood is the ability to be responsible, mature, and open to life in all its complexity.
Sources: American Psychological Association (APA), Psychology Today, Verywell Mind, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
