There’s a fine line between dating a man who’s just a bit immature and a full-blown manchild.
The difference?
Choice.
Dating a manchild means you’re dealing with someone who refuses to grow up, hiding behind juvenile behavior.
Spotting a manchild early on saves you from potential heartache.
And trust me, there are certain signs that can help you identify if you’re dating one.
Allow me to share with you these 7 telltale signs that you may be dating a manchild, before it’s too late.
1) Lack of responsibility
There’s no denying, adulthood comes with its fair share of responsibilities.
And for most of us, we embrace these responsibilities, realizing it’s a part of growing up.
But when you’re dating a manchild, you’ll notice a distinct lack of this trait.
These are the guys who tend to shirk their duties, preferring to let others pick up their slack.
Think about it.
It’s the man who never pays his share of the bill or the guy who never cleans up after himself.
It’s the boyfriend who still expects his mom to do his laundry.
When you’re faced with a man who consistently avoids responsibility, it’s a red flag that you could be dating a manchild.
But it’s crucial to distinguish between occasional lapses and consistent patterns.
We all have our off days, even the most grown-up among us.
However, if this behavior is more the rule than the exception, it might be time to rethink your relationship.
2) Emotional immaturity
We’ve all had moments of emotional immaturity, but it’s different when you’re dating a manchild.
Take it from me, I’ve been there.
I dated this guy once who threw a tantrum because I wanted to spend an evening with my girlfriends.
He was sulking, saying things like “You don’t love me anymore” or “You always choose your friends over me”.
The outburst felt more like dealing with a petulant child than having a disagreement with an adult.
A mature person would have understood the importance of personal space and time in a relationship.
But this guy?
He had the emotional maturity of a toddler.
If you find yourself dealing with similar situations often, where your partner acts more like a child throwing tantrums than an adult addressing issues, then that’s a clear sign you’re dating a manchild.
3) Unwilling to compromise
In any healthy relationship, compromise is key.
It’s about finding a middle ground that satisfies both parties.
However, when you’re dating a manchild, you might find this concept is foreign to them.
They’re stuck in their ways and want things to be done their way or no way at all.
The American Psychological Association states that compromise is one of the most important factors in maintaining healthy relationships.
But a manchild would rather jeopardize the relationship than alter his preferences or routines.
It’s crucial to understand that in a balanced relationship, both parties’ needs and wants are equally important.
4) Lack of ambition
We all have dreams and aspirations, things we want to achieve in life.
It’s what keeps us motivated and moving forward.
But dating a manchild often means encountering a lack of ambition.
They’re content with coasting through life, showing no real drive or desire to better themselves or their situation.
It’s like dating someone stuck in perpetual limbo.
They’re satisfied with their minimum wage job, not because it’s their passion, but because it requires minimal effort.
If you’re ambitious and driven, this lack of initiative can be frustrating.
It’s not about the money; it’s about the lack of desire to grow and improve.
This stagnation is a clear sign you might be dating a manchild.
5) Unreliable
Nothing tests patience quite like unreliability.
There was this one time when I planned a special evening for my boyfriend’s birthday.
Reservation at his favorite restaurant, tickets to the basketball game he’d been talking about for months, you name it.
He promised he would leave work early that day.
But guess what?
He didn’t.
Not only was I stood up at the restaurant, but we also missed the game.
His excuse?
He got caught up in a ‘last-minute meeting’.
This wasn’t a one-time thing.
Forgotten dates, missed pickups, broken promises – it was a pattern.
Reliability is a cornerstone of any relationship.
If someone can’t be trusted to keep their word, it’s hard to build a solid foundation with them.
6) They struggle with confrontation
Confrontation isn’t pleasant, but it’s a part of life.
It’s how we resolve issues and misunderstandings in relationships.
But a manchild tends to struggle with confrontation.
They either avoid it altogether or handle it poorly, often resorting to immature tactics like name-calling or storming off.
Healthy relationships are built on communication.
7) They’re self-centered
At the heart of it all, a manchild is often self-centered.
They put their needs, desires, and feelings above everyone else’s, including yours.
Your opinions?
Overridden.
Your feelings?
Dismissed.
They are the stars of their own show and everyone else is just a supporting character.
This self-centeredness isn’t just annoying, it’s toxic.
It creates an imbalance in the relationship where you’re constantly catering to their needs while your own are neglected.
It’s about growth
The journey of life is all about growth and evolution.
We learn, we make mistakes, and we evolve.
That’s the essence of being human.
In a relationship, it’s not just about finding someone who’s perfect.
It’s about finding someone who’s willing to grow with you, willing to evolve, and mature.
The signs of dating a manchild aren’t just indicators of a potential heartache.
They’re red flags signaling an unwillingness to grow.
And that’s something you should never compromise on.
Because at the end of the day, relationships are about two individuals growing together.
So, if you find yourself dating a manchild, it’s crucial to remember – you deserve someone who respects you, values your feelings, and above all, is willing to grow with you.
And that’s not too much to ask for.
