Germaine Greer, noted Australian born scholar and femminist said “You’re only young once, but you can be immature forever.”. Wow, someone who understands me.

This quote is quite witty given the definition of immaturity “, that is “behaviour that is appropriate to someone younger.  The definition implies age overcomes immaturity.

Ms. Grier is thinking, age does not necessarily equal mature behaviour.   Passing from youth to middle or old age is not the defining variable relative to immature behaviour.

Immaturity and Experience

As you age you collect experience.  With greater experiential knowledge underpinning your behaviour, it is logical to expect more consistent and effective behaviour.

Of course if one ignores the lessons of experience this would not neccessarily be the case.  Hence, the logic behind the Grier quotation.

The passing of youth can reasonably be expected to be accompanied by the wisdom of age.  However, the ability to effectively leverage your experience through mature behaviour does depend on a few other variables.

Age and Expectation

While it is reasonable to assume our behaviour will improve with age, the zeal and exuberance of youth can carry forward to a late age.  This is not necessarily detrimental.

As I often note in my posts, balance is the key.  Matching your behaviour to expectations while still endulging your inner child is possible.

The key is to avoid surprise or disaffection by creating a perception of the level of maturity your audience expects without ignoring your own inner needs.