The Terminal Stage of Maturation: Exploring Why the 26-36 Year Old Set Seem to Have Stagnated

It is a common occurrence throughout life to naturally outgrow the existing and accepted cultural norms as one ages—they mature. People typically become more responsible, forward-thinking and independent, sacrificing immediate gratification for the long-term benefit of better opportunities and relationships.

Yet, there is a current trend among some age groups that appears to be completely bucking this convention as more and more men aged 26-36 find themselves at a standstill of maturation, unable to transition from their 18 year old self-centered attitudes and cravings for immediate pleasure to take on responsibilities for themselves and for those around them.

Alarmingly, these individuals are independent although notably lacking self-guidance. They find themselves unwilling to commit to structure and personal growth. They hold onto outdated ideas about the freedom that comes with being a young adult and wish to cling to what has become known as "adultolescence", oscillating in between the stages of maturity, not settling into adulthood but neither fully inhabiting immaturity. While they desire stability, they reject it almost as soon as they obtain it and as a result have no desire to trade rewards now for later or build upon something greater than just themselves.

They believably lack the foresight or patience required to create empires or lead their families while they instead subject themselves to pursuits of noncommittal jobs and lifestyles, seemingly content in the lifestyle of their 18 year old selves. And, regardless of their individual situations, have failed to achieve the ability to move beyond transient status quo.

So why exactly are so many men aged 26-36 still living their lives at an 18 year old maturity level? Is it something social? Perhaps a lack of direction or guidance? Could it be that excessive amounts of technology have produced an environment where these individuals can funnel deeper into their own mentality trapping them from ever properly exiting?

Possibly more than anything else, there could be an inward conflict occurring within each person. One force pushing them to maturity and stability while a second internal force works itself against it. It could be that fear plays its role in hindering those ready for the world of grown-up responsibilities by holding the overly independent back in refusing them the opportunity to leap into self-determinism unaided. Or maybe time moves too fast for this generation with expectations surpassing where they truly are as dynamic changes occur around them abolishing moments of pure reflection where they can ascertain their place in this world ultimately creating uncertainty.

While it is natural to have periods during life that appear stagnant and monotonous, intentionally refusing to take a step towards true maturity or an unwillingness to make sacrifices and build rarely ends in anything positive. More often than not these practices only beget complacency; indulgent habits; retreats away from meaningful relationships; an aimlessness in life due to the inability to commit to goals; and suppressed emotions, eventually leading to frustration from unfulfilled expectation and ultimately dejectedness from a shortchanged life— all of which will continue until new habits are created and the overwhelming need for independence gives way to that of growing up.