That isn't necessarily true. While society does pressure women to "grow up" faster than men, there is no basis in fact to prove that women mature faster mentally. It's more that women tend to be conditioned to take on more responsibility/manners earlier in life. On the other hand, I haven't personally found any truth in that beyond about age 12. Most of the people I know are either particularly mature for their age: my lover (22, male) , a friend of ours who takes a lot of responsibility for the well-being of the group (27, male), another friend who keeps another friend of ours out of trouble (20, female); or particularly immature; an acquaintance of ours who can't comprehend that women have feelings too (male, 28), another friend who always shows up 2 hours late (male, 20), and a friend who still believes in the Disney Princess version of "true love" and can do no wrong (Female, 20).

No, it depends on the person. I know plenty of grown women and men who act like complete babies.

I've noticed that in general it seems it takes men longer to "grow up" than women, but it really does depend on the individual and the situation. We hate seeing groups of college-age boys coming into the sex shop, because they just wander around, laughing at everything. Whereas for the most part, college-age women are much more mature in the store. There have been some women who come in and giggle over things, but they tend not to be as obnoxious as the groups of guys. But then, guys in groups tend to feed off each other, so that probably contributes a lot. College-age guys on their own may or may not be more mature.

However, there was one middle-aged couple who came into the shop this week...I wanted to smack them so hard. They'd never been in a sex shop before, and found everything HILARIOUS

At least I get to ask people like that to leave if they're making other customers uncomfortable

It's obviously not true for everyone, but it is in some cases. I prefer slightly older men. I dated a guy who was a year younger than me, and he seemed very immature. My current boyfriend is 3 years older than me, and we seem to be on about the same level.

it's not true at all. women don't age mentally any faster than men, but girls tend to mature faster than boys. when they're in their teens, they'll even out. i'm interested in finding out where she learned that

I agree it isn't necessarily true. It depends on the person.

I know women older than I am who are less mature mentally than men younger than me. Also it depends on your definition of "mentally older". Maturity can be defined so many different ways, it is dependent on the person

Personally, I prefer older men due to their level of intellectual maturity. I guess it all depends on the person. However, I do know people much older than me who are very immature.

That's a pretty common generalization, and from my experiences I can definitely see why someone would think that. But the bottom line is that is really is a generalization, and shouldn't be read into too much.

We had this debate in elementary school and the verdict was that girls were emotionally older at that time. Take two 12 year olds, the girls are more mature. Take two 22 year olds, the girls may still want to be little girls and think less mature while the boys have sown their wild oats by this time.. It's just my personal experience.

I don't think it's 4 years...I think it depends on the person. My ex husband was 7 years older and I was way more mature than him, my husband now isn't quite 2 years older than me and I'm more mature. I think women, as a general rule, mature faster...that's not everyone...but I think as a general rule it tends to be more true than not.