They pout when they don’t get their way. They scream when they’re overly tired. They refuse to listen when they’re angry. We must be describing toddlers, right? Umm, no. Unfortunately, that’s also the behavior of the classic immature husband. Other signs you’re married to a man dealing with emotional immaturity? They usually have a short temper. They get defensive very quickly, and they blame you for most of their problems.
Now, to be fair, we all have our immature moments, but a true immature husband is a man who isn’t even trying to mature into handling his relationship with his wife in a more adult manner. So whether your husband is immature most of the time, or just has immature outbursts here and there, there are some things you can do to make the situation better. While you might want to tell him to grow up, that’s probably not the best avenue toward change.
Instead, try these 3 ways to handle an immature husband.
1. Stop babying him.
When your husband starts acting immaturely, treat him like an adult, even if he’s acting like a baby. {Tweet This} If he goes on and on in a whiny voice about how hard his job is or how unfair the world is, show empathy, “Oh, that’s terrible.” Don’t jump in as if he were a small child and try to fix his problem. You also don’t want to talk him out of his troubles because it might turn into an argument about how you don’t understand him and what he’s going through.
Also, be aware that your husband might just have had a bad day and needs your support and an understanding ear. You might be the only one he can really open up to. And, if he’s a pouter, it might be because he doesn’t know how to open up emotionally and he shuts down.
If his immature tendencies cause him to treat you harshly, you don’t have to put up with it. For example, if he starts mocking you during an argument, say, “You know, I’d rather not talk to you when you’re acting that way,” and leave the room.
2. Practice reality living.
This one is tough. You want to let him suffer the consequences, as much as you can, for his immature choices. Let’s say your husband goes out drinking with his friends and doesn’t get up for your daughter’s soccer game the next morning. While you might want to cover for him and make excuses to your daughter, let him take responsibility for his choices and talk to her himself.
If your husband is immature in the way he handles your family’s finances, tell him that you think it’s wise for you to put aside money for your household expenses before he starts his discretionary spending.
3. Take the high road.
Don’t sink to his level of immaturity. When your husband starts yelling or blaming, you might want to dish it right back and tell him he needs to act like an adult instead of acting like a child. Don’t. Stay on the high road. Tell him that you’re choosing to handle disagreements in a mature way and that when he’s ready to do the same, you’re all ears.
As much as possible, continue to look for the good in your husband in spite of his immature ways. See what you can relate to on this list of 99 things you might be thankful for about your husband. If your husband is more depressed than immature, we have three ways you can help your depressed husband.
Is your husband immature? How do you deal with it?
