Men Need To Grow Up?

Posted by Monica O'Brien on February 21, 2008 at 11:28 am.

It’s “common knowledge” that women have always been the mature sex, thus absolving us from degrading terms like “child-man.” I put “common knowledge” in quotes because I still meet silly girls every day who continue to rely on their own childish techniques to get attention. I recognize them, because not too long ago I was one of them:

  • I was the girl who flirted shamelessly so she’d never have to pay for drinks. Who was still partying at the frat house at 4am, even though she had a boyfriend.
  • I was the girl who showed up late to every class, if she bothered going, because she could get away with it. Regardless of how rude it was.
  • I was the girl who spent all her money on clothes and other things she didn’t need. Who called daddy or boyfriend every time she wanted something done, or just wanted something period.

Maybe you were too. Maybe you still are, even if it’s more subtle in your post-college years. In that case, don’t tell me how there are no good guys interested in marriage. Don’t pretend being superficial is okay. Don’t fool yourself into thinking your outward beauty means you’ll never end up alone.

Instead, give guys a reason to want to settle down. Be interesting. Be lovely. Be someone worth giving up bachelorhood for.

Sure, men need to grow up, but they aren’t the only ones.

Women, do you need to grow up?  Here are four things that might help:

  • Buy a full length mirror, if you don’t already own one. If you look in the mirror before heading out the door for work and can use the words “hot” or “sexy,” change. Keep changing until the words “professional” and “classy” come up.
  • Manage your own finances. I read Nice Girls Don’t Get Rich : 75 Avoidable Mistakes Women Make with Money my senior year of college, and it changed my life. I recommend it, even if you think you have your finances figured out.
  • Take a kick-boxing class. There’s nothing so mentally and physically challenging as martial arts. You will learn integrity, discipline, and how to kick someone’s ass. The better body is a bonus.
  • Surround yourself with women. Let’s face it - it’s easy for you to get what you want from men. So stop spending time with men and work with more women. You’re less likely to get things you want by flirting with a woman, so the relationships will teach you how to negotiate and express your ideas succinctly. Women hold other women accountable - use it to your advantage to become a better person.

Draw all people to you rather than pushing yourself on the opposite sex. It’s more rewarding to have others come to you, for your brain, not your cup size or pretty face, because you’re just that fantastic.

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  • I agree that a lot of young women go through a "phase" like you described above - let's face it, men make it so easy for us to get away with it! That said, in my opinion, while one thing at a bar, this kind of behavior is totally unacceptable in the business setting. I feel a lot better about getting ahead with great ideas and business savvy than my pretty face... I think your readers will, too. Thanks for the insightful post.
  • Angela,

    Thanks for the comment. I really enjoy reading your blog. I do agree many women go through this phase (luckily it's just a phase for most of us!) and it's inappropriate for work. I also feel it's inappropriate for life in general. When flirting or your looks is your only asset, the only leverage you have, it's difficult for anyone to take you seriously. That means you won't earn respect, which will affect everything in your life - dating, relationships, and your career.
  • Fair enough...

    re Person who shows up late for class. It's funny when you start seeing that from a different angle. I wasn't one of those young-men who came into class late, half-asleep, but I was one to show up unprepared to attend.

    I'm in a night class now (way after university), and can't believe it when people (no matter younger or older) show up unprepared, unfinished assignments, no presentation prepared, etc. It's amazing. I wouldn't even CONSIDER slacking around the idea of class now - but of course drifted my way through Uni.
  • wow. finally a female who admits that she has growing up to do too....
  • t - I'm in grad school now and I feel the same way. I think holding a job teaches you that you just can't slack off when you don't want to do things. There's more at stake than getting a bad grade. Thanks for sharing!

    houroc - your comment made me laugh. Notice that I didn't say I needed to grow up... just that some women do. I'm not the most mature person but I've certainly grown up from the self I described in the post =D. Thanks for the comment, and nice sports website.
  • I am not sure I agree. It really depends on the person, not the gender. I have met both "boys" and "girls" that need to grow up. And it doesn't seem to lead to one gender. Just their set of social circumstances, it is all in what you are taught and have been around from parents and other mentors.

    Some people grow out of it, some never do!
  • Justin, I'm not saying growing up is gender specific. There are a lot more articles about men growing up though... so this is another perspective. Thanks for the comment =D
  • great post, when I read the title I was like "oh no this its going to be interesting" but it was a good post, my ex was like you used to be and thats what drove me away, I quickly realized I needed someone who was more professional (even outside of work) but could still let their hair down and not be "one of THOSE girls"......still no luck in the dept...ha...good post Monica
  • Monica, great post. I blog about dating and relationships and this post really hit a chord. I'm a big proponent of men improving themselves in every aspect in order to connect with beautiful women, but I also talk a lot about how women could grow up and be worth getting into a relationship with, or even talking to. I call this getting past the "party girl" stage.

    One point I would add for women is that they develop rich inner lives. This encompasses many things, but good starting points are 1) getting hobbies (something to talk about besides relationships), 2) being passionate about something, anything, 3) read and acquire knowledge, and 4) open themselves up to men of high value.

    Cheers,

    Lance
  • Hello Monica:

    Lance e-mailed me your post and I enjoyed it immensely.

    I would add that what makes a bachelor commit to a woman is much more than her "brain" in addition to her physical beauty/sexiness.

    There are lots of smart, beautiful women who still cannot get their boyfriends of several years to "commit".

    Yet, other women find that men are bringing diamond rings to second and third dates...repeatedly. As creepy as that sounds, it goes on and represents the "opposite" problem, if you will.

    What sets these women apart?

    It's a combination of pure, natural femininity and character.

    She is proud to be a woman, enjoys it and...importantly...ENJOYS men. She actually LIKES men, and even RESPECTS them. In turn, she attracts men who LIKE and RESPECT women.

    Women who believe "all men are dogs and only want one thing" tend to get what they expect. After all, why would any man who respects women fall for a woman like that?

    Second, as I mentioned, she has character. In most cases, the women I've known whose boyfriends wouldn't "commit" had valid concerns that she had cheating potential. "Testing" a boyfriend by openly flirting with other guys in front of him is decidedly not a great way to get him to commit.

    BTW, every bit of what I'm saying applies in reverse to men who want to attract a great woman. I knew within a very short time of meeting my wife Emily that she was who I'd rather be with than the other women I had been dating. I had to deserve that privilege, however, by being the kind of man who was no less than who she was looking for.

    Cheers,

    Scot McKay
    X & Y Communications
  • Mike, I'm glad you like the post. You have plenty of time to find a good girl. Thanks as always for adding to the conversation!

    Lance, cool. I think the things you listed are awesome additions, and I love your website. Looking forward to reading more of your posts!

    Scot, you are right. I like "people get what they expect." I also agree, Men want women with character... but I think that means something different for every guy. I see "character" as the quirkiness that makes people fall in love with each other. It's kinda like the scuffs on my boots that make me not ever want to stop wearing them. It's really hard to put that type of stuff into words. Thanks for the comment!
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