13 Subtle Signs Your Partner Is Emotionally Immature

Healthy relationships are based on two-way communication, the ability to express or share emotions, and empathy. However, some couples may experience difficulties in discussing serious issues or sharing feelings. Either of the partners may avoid serious conversations by using humor or beating around the bush.
This lack of understanding of their own and their partners emotions, lack of empathy, and unwillingness to communicate can indicate emotional immaturity in a partner. Such partners often come across as selfish and put me before we.
Read this MomJunction post to know about the signs of an emotionally immature partner.

13 Signs Your Partner Is Emotionally Immature

Struggles to share or talk about their feelings: An emotionally immature partner may often not share feelings or talk about them. They may find it overwhelming to comprehend emotional experiences. Therefore, they may avoid or pretend to ignore when you bring up serious topics of conversation.
Cannot talk about future: An emotionally immature partner finds it difficult to plan or talk about their future with you. They may seem unable to commit to even the smallest of things and prefer to live in the present. Even if they see a future with you, they may find it difficult to share or communicate with you about their long-term plans.
Makes you feel lonely: A relationship makes you feel involved and loved. However, with an emotionally immature partner, you may feel that there is a lack of emotional intimacy. You feel disconnected as you are not able to form a bond with them at a deeper level.
Pulls away during difficult or stressful times: When your partner is emotionally unavailable, they may not be able to support you during your difficult times. You may want your partner to be your rock, but they may distance themselves using excuses.
Keeps everything superficial: If you feel your partner holds back even after you have been together for long, then it may be a sign that they are incapable of strengthening or cementing the relationship. It could also suggest that they prefer surface-level relationships. They may not feel comfortable when it comes to intimacy, including connecting, opening up, or sharing. In addition, they may lack a sense of affection or closeness.
Does not take accountability: A mature adult takes responsibility, acknowledges their mistakes, and makes amends. However, an immature person refuses to take responsibility and instead plays the blame game when things get difficult. They may ignore your opinions and resort to blaming, lying, or making you feel guilty.
Gets defensive: In a healthy relationship, both partners feel comfortable in offering constructive criticism and are open towards working on the issues together. On the contrary, an immature person can become overly defensive or get upset when you bring up even the smallest of things.
Shows selfish behavior: Partners look after each other and share responsibilities. They put we before me. An emotionally immature partner, on the other hand, may show selfish behavior and make everything about themselves.
Holds grudges: When you encounter a roadblock, you work with your partner to overcome it. However, an emotionally immature partner may hold grudges and squabble over petty issues, often resulting in discontent. Makes no effort to contribute: Do you feel that you are the one making all the efforts in the relationship? If your partner is emotionally immature, the love and relationship may feel like one-sided. Your partner may not do anything without you constantly asking them to do it, making you feel guilty.
Shows a lack of commitment: People who are emotionally immature are unable to commit. They cannot continue with relationships and have a history of ending up with a series of short-term relationships.
Lacks compassion: An immature partner cannot show compassion or empathize with their partner during an emotional meltdown. You may feel underappreciated and unsupported with such a partner.
Shows emotional outbursts: People who are emotionally immature may not be able to control their impulses and may explode with rage on the smallest of things. They may not be mindful of the words and use abusive words. They may not be good at handling conflicts.

How Do You Deal With An Emotionally Immature Partner?

If you feel your partner is emotionally immature, then you may try the following tips to make your relationship stronger.

Start a conversation: Initiate a conversation with your partner on how you could work as a team to overcome issues. Try not to corner them as emotionally unavailable, which can make your partner defensive
Realize mistakes and irresponsible behavior: Do not ignore or make yourself feel guilty about your partners irresponsibility. Make them realize their mistakes as they may avoid owning up. Be polite yet firm while communicating on such issues.
Develop emotional maturity: Try sharing positive feelings. Use words of appreciation or encouragement when your partner does something for you. Let your partner know how it feels good to be connected.
Ignore tantrums: Your partner may throw a fit when things do not go their way. Avoid paying attention to their tantrums or threats. Importantly, stop treating them like a baby. Be confident and firm.
Opt for couples therapy: If your best efforts do not yield any positive outcome, you may try couples therapy. These sessions can help you develop a sense of connection and emotional intimacy. However, you may have to try your best to convince your partner to attend the sessions.
If you want your relationship to develop into a strong long-term commitment, it is important to communicate and connect with them. Emotional maturity and availability are cornerstones of a happy relationship. Look for the signs if you feel your partner is emotionally immature and try to work together as a team to overcome roadblocks.
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