Men who never grew up emotionally engage in these 12 behaviors more than most

Emotionally stunted men do these things a lot.

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No matter how hard some guys try, they’re stuck in a permanent state of childhood or adolescence. They avoid adult responsibilities far more than the rest of us, and it’s pretty darn annoying! So, let’s look at some typical behaviors that indicate a guy is emotionally immature.

1. They avoid responsibilities.

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Some guys have turned avoiding responsibilities into an Olympic sport. For them, the goal is to dodge any kind of duties that demand consistency. It doesn’t matter if it’s bills that need paying or deadlines that need meeting because these men are often conspicuously absent. They are always ready with a “good” reason for why they couldn’t do what they were supposed to do—the car broke down, the dog was sick, you name it.

2. They act impulsively.

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Some people mistake guys acting on impulse for spontaneity, but actually, this behavior lacks any charm. These men react first and think later, which often causes all sorts of problems for themselves and others. Throughout their lives, they make hasty choices that often lead to chaotic outcomes. Don’t be surprised to find out that those spontaneous decisions have some equally serious consequences.

3. They depend too much on their parents.

A young man sits on a sofa, talking on his phone, gesturing with his hand. In the background, a middle-aged couple stands together, watching him with arms crossed. The scene suggests a serious or tense conversation.

Long past the age when most are spreading their wings, some men still have their roots firmly planted in their parents’ backyard. For some, financial and emotional reliance on mom and dad is just part of their comfort zone—they just refuse to leave their safety net. They’re the ones who move out only to move back in again, and their parents’ place is always Plan B.

4. They refuse to take constructive criticism on board.

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Criticism should help you grow, but for these men, it’s an arrow aimed straight at their ego. They won’t start contemplating when they hear it or bother doing some self-improvement. No, they’re defensive and in denial. These men can’t handle being told they’re wrong, and this turns even the most constructive criticism into a personal attack. Deflection or ignorance is the only option.

5. They’re always blaming others.

A man with dark hair and beard, wearing a black coat, is standing in a dimly lit indoor area. He is pointing directly at the camera with a serious expression. The background features blurred colored lights and industrial elements.

For emotionally stunted guys, it’s always someone else’s fault. They just don’t make mistakes! Instead, they’ll cast the blame far and wide because owning up to faults is a completely alien idea to them. These men live in a world where everything bad is someone else’s doing. Of course, they weren’t involved in it—they’re just the unlucky bystanders.

6. They lack emotional depth.

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Forging deep connections with other people is not something these men excel at. They remain in the shallow end because going any deeper could uncover vulnerabilities. So, they’ll keep their emotions at bay. You’ll find these men keeping conversations light and avoiding any real sense of sharing with their loved ones because they’re terrified of doing so.

7. They’re unwilling to apologize.

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Saying sorry is difficult for anyone, but perhaps none more so than for an emotionally stunted guy. Admitting mistakes is painful, and apologies are rare. When they do come, they’re often laced with excuses rather than sincerity since these men will do mental gymnastics to avoid admitting they were wrong.

8. They avoid commitment of any kind.

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He’s the kind of man who’s ready to bolt at the slightest hint of a lifelong vow. Beyond mere cold feet, they have a pervasive pattern of bailing before things get too real, be it in relationships or job commitments. For them, the word “forever’’ spells the end of freedom. They see every commitment as a trap, making them pull away at the first sign of getting too close.

9. They’re often manipulative.

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Why say it straight when you can twist the narrative? Manipulation is often how they choose to react, but not necessarily out of malice. No, it’s more of a tactic to steer situations to their advantage without confronting them head-on. These men are masters at bending the truth to make themselves look better or to get out of sticky situations without having to be honest.

10. They ghost people.

A young man with short brown hair, wearing a brown jacket, leans on a railing outdoors. The background shows a brick building and a street lamp. He gazes thoughtfully into the distance.

Similarly, confrontations are undesirable for these men. Why deal with drama when you can simply disappear? While most of us think of ghosting as rude behavior, they see it as a way to “manage” conflicts by not managing them at all. Essentially, it’s an escape hatch for them. They disappear whenever the going gets tough and leave others to pick up the pieces.

11. They have tantrums.

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When things don’t go their way, the inner child comes out in full force by throwing a tantrum. Of course, having the emotional regulation of a toddler isn’t cute at forty years old. It’s a sign that they skipped out several chapters of emotional development. They respond to every problem with these outbursts and prove just how little control they have over their emotions.

12. They cross boundaries.

Two men engaged in a discussion in a modern office setting. One man in a yellow hoodie gestures while the other, in a gray and navy shirt, sits on a desk with a laptop in front of him. Both appear to be intently exchanging ideas or opinions.

Boundaries? What are they? For these guys, they’re just “guidelines.” Whether it’s personal space or emotional limits, emotionally stunted guys cross these lines without a care in the world or with a second thought. They often trample over boundaries because they don’t recognize them. It may seem like they’re uncaring, but it’s really because they don’t know how to respect boundaries.