Ever leave a conversation feeling confused, blamed, or like you just lost your grip on reality? You might be dealing with an emotionally immature person. And as Dr. Lindsay Gibson revealed, these people often leave others “brain scrambled,” so emotionally activated that it becomes hard to think straight.
Whether it’s a parent, a partner, or a boss, emotionally immature people use tactics like denial, distortion, blame-shifting, and gaslighting to protect their fragile egos. Dr. Gibson warns, “They will try to be the most important person in the relationship.” And if you’re someone who’s self-reflective or conflict-avoidant, it’s easy to take the bait.
The antidote? Clarity and boundaries. Dr. Gibson recommends setting realistic goals before any interaction (think: “a peaceful lunch” not “emotional breakthrough”), and staying connected to your own truth. “You have a connection to yourself that must be maintained,” she said. If you feel confused or emotionally hijacked, that’s your cue to pause, step back, and protect your peace.
Emotional immaturity in others doesn’t mean you’re crazy, it means you need tools. And learning to stay grounded in your own experience is the most powerful one you’ve got.
Want to learn more? Listen to this episode of The Tamsen Show Podcast.
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