Finding yourself acting young? Or childish? Do you want to make a change to your lifestyle? If so, this article is for you.
Steps
Tone down your fashions. First impressions do count.
- You can still wear brightly colored clothes, but look at the fit and the style.
- Wear sophisticated things, but express your style with piece that is a little more funny or wild, for example, big sunglasses, kitten heels, or a crazy tie.
- Wear more tailored clothing, more put together.
Use manners. Try to be courteous without being stuffy or inflexible.
When meeting new people, shake their hand. A solid grip, but not too hard, two pumps of the hand and let go. Don't look at your hands; look them in the eye. Repeat their name and make an effort to remember it.
Avoid interrupting people during conversation; people find this irritating.
Don't play with things, look away, or fidget.
Think before you speak. If you can't think of anything to say, or don't have anything nice to say, then say nothing.
Listen, slightly nod, and say little things like, "Oh, yes," to let them know you are listening.
Remember, when you speak, use facial expressions and be funny as usual, but be more serious in conversation.
Be helpful. Hold doors, help pick things up, and offer help and assistance when needed.
Talk about mature things to people: work, life experiences, and life lessons you have learned, or just about how beautiful it is outside. Notice how they carry themselves, how they dress, and how they speak.
Keep in mind, around kids, squat down to their size when you talk to them. Don't act fake when they tell you something that is a big accomplishment to them. Say, "Awesome!" or, "Wow, good job." Kids feel good when you are truly amazed instead of patronizing.
Try to use proper grammar and spelling whenever you write, including instant messaging and online games.
Keep an open mind. Just because you have never heard of or tried something, doesn't mean you should shut it out or dismiss the possibility. Rather, see it as an opportunity for you to learn about something (or someone) new and different.
Learn to control your temper. Above all, if somebody does something you don't agree with, try not to shout or carry on. Instead, let it go if it is a minor matter. If you must say something or disagree with someone, do so tactfully and in a conversational tone of voice. You'll find that people respond more positively, too.
Don't swear, or at the very least, save the swearing for times that really warrant it. Swearing mainly demonstrates to others that you have poor control over your temper. Instead, try learning some other words to show your displeasure with something. Something that's not up to your standards could be terrible, lousy, rotten, crummy, no-good, and so on. Many of these terms will help you zero in on what the trouble is, communicate more effectively, and perhaps even move towards a solution.
Try it! You will probably find that people will listen to you better and take you more seriously if you don't swear.
Accept compliments gracefully. If somebody has taken the trouble to compliment you, the least you can do is appreciate it.
Take criticism gracefully, too. Not all of it is valid, but it is often worth giving some thought to how others see you and what you can improve.
Be mature and polite online, too.
Turn off your caps lock key and capitalize proper nouns and the beginnings of sentences.
Think before you post. Have lots of people already said what you're about to say? Does your post make sense?
Read and follow the rules. They're there for a reason.
Proofread before you post. Use complete sentences
Go easy on abbreviations ("ur", "LOL"), slang, and emoticons. A sprinkling of these in an informal setting can add color. Too many can make it incomprehensible.
Avoid speaking 1337 when not necessary . This is an annoying habit most people do without thinking.
[edit] Tips
Avoid trying to be the center of attention all the time.
Quit drinking caffeine. This includes coffee, soda, tea and most energy drinks. Caffeine makes you hyperactive, which in turn makes you immature. Try to not drink caffeine, but if you do, take it in small amounts.
Remember, people will enjoy listening to your contributions if you allow them the chance to speak as well.
If someone burps or passes gas, do not laugh at it. If laughing is inevitable, try not to be the loudest person laughing at it. If you commit such an offense, say, "Excuse me."
Groom yourself neatly.
If you're not sure about the proper etiquette for a particular situation, notice what others are doing and follow suit. Then, make a point to look it up in an etiquette guide when you have a chance.
By the same token, when you enter a new situation or new community, keep quiet for awhile and notice how others conduct themselves. Then, act accordingly.
[edit] Warnings
Avoid being too mature. Don't take it to the extremes.
More specifically, do not mistake maturity and conceitedness, you should read this to improve yourself, not in order to be better than the other guy.
Learning a few Latin phrases and even entire other languages or phrases in other languages can never hurt, it makes you seem more sophisticated and focused on knowledge, which you should be if you want to be mature.
