11 Copyright 2023 Marline E. Pearson Read each pair of contrasting statements and rate yourself on each one by writing in a number between 1 and 10 for where you fall at this time. Then, go back over and star the areas you’ve matured in the most in the past year or two. Afterward, if you have a partner, rate them. Immature Thinks only of self, acts only in self-interest Does the right thing only if others are watching or fears being caught Insecure, needs to go along with the crowd Focuses only on immediate pleasure, has no concern about the future Confuses love with physical attraction Believes associating with certain people makes one better, more valuable Expresses strong emotions aggressively Can’t admit when wrong, covers up mistakes Mature Thinks about what they say or do and how it affects others Does the right thing even if no one is looking Independent, knows own mind and values, resists pressure Responsible, can put off immediate pleasure to do what’s necessary Recognizes that love is more than physical attraction Creates own identity, works to develop as competent, worthy Expresses strong emotions assertively and safely Can admit to being wrong, is not afraid to make a mistake Scale of Maturity 8 Adapted and used with permission from The Art of Loving Well, Boston, MA: Boston University Publications. 1 10 Sample Do Not Distribute scale of maturity