The relationship between tact and maturity

[GeekDrew]

Last night, a friend and I were talking, and happened to start talking about tactfulness - in particularly, many specific examples of situations that we think should have been handled differently. It came to me that I consider tactfulness a symbol of maturity - and when there are examples of someone not using tact (where I believe that they should) (i.e. I'm participating in a conversation between several people, and it was not handled in a manner that I believe it should have been), I believe that the person in reference is rather immature. I believe the same, even moreso, when I do not already have a positive opinion of that person.

Inversely, if in situations where I can see that a particular person is being as tactful as possible, I view them as somewhat mature. Yes, there are *many* other distinctions to maturity -- I know that -- but this seems to be one point in particular that stands out to me.

Does anyone else view the relationship between tact and maturity in a similar manner? :Q

 

[Zysoclaplem]

I've always been blunt, almost to the point of rudeness. I don't care for being tactful unless the situation merits it. I also consider myself mature.

 

[Rogue]

Similar to the other question about "simple vs. complex" I just answered, there are times when tact is pertinent and times when it's not. I would have to say that an immature act is wholly separate from tact, they are in two different realms altogether in my opinion.

 

[KarenMarie]

when someone is mature enough to NOT say something hurtful, just because they can... they have learned how to be tactful.

 

[kogase]

Originally posted by: Zysoclaplem
I've always been blunt, almost to the point of rudeness. I don't care for being tactful unless the situation merits it. I also consider myself mature.

ur gay lol

 

[Zysoclaplem]

Originally posted by: kogase

Originally posted by: Zysoclaplem
I've always been blunt, almost to the point of rudeness. I don't care for being tactful unless the situation merits it. I also consider myself mature.

ur gay lol

Shutup poohead.

 

[GeekDrew]

Originally posted by: kogase

Originally posted by: Zysoclaplem
I've always been blunt, almost to the point of rudeness. I don't care for being tactful unless the situation merits it. I also consider myself mature.

ur gay lol

:|

 

[kogase]

Originally posted by: Zysoclaplem

Originally posted by: kogase

Originally posted by: Zysoclaplem
I've always been blunt, almost to the point of rudeness. I don't care for being tactful unless the situation merits it. I also consider myself mature.

ur gay lol

Shutup poohead.

I shall, and verily.

...

Well, who the hell calls somebody a "breeder"? Besides (upitty) gays that is?

 

[Zysoclaplem]

Originally posted by: GeekDrew

Originally posted by: kogase

Originally posted by: Zysoclaplem
I've always been blunt, almost to the point of rudeness. I don't care for being tactful unless the situation merits it. I also consider myself mature.

ur gay lol

:|

Me is thinking he was joking to not only show his lack of tact but maturity in a joking manner. Then again he could just be an asshole...lol.

 

[kogase]

Originally posted by: Zysoclaplem

Originally posted by: GeekDrew

Originally posted by: kogase

Originally posted by: Zysoclaplem
I've always been blunt, almost to the point of rudeness. I don't care for being tactful unless the situation merits it. I also consider myself mature.

ur gay lol

:|

Me is thinking he was joking to not only show his lack of tact but maturity in a joking manner. Then again he could just be an asshole...lol.

It sounded alot more funny in my head than it ended up on-screen.

Some people have tact like some people have common sense. If you're 14 and don't have tact or common sense, chances are you never will. At 14 you still generally don't have enough raw experience to make responsible life decisions, and to therefore be considered mature, I don't think.

 

[Cooler]

blunt is best. You cant just go around sugar coating everything because life sure heck does not.

 

[Fenixgoon]

IMO, better to be blunt than to be tactful and confuse things (cause it can happen sometimes)

 

[GeekDrew]

Originally posted by: kogase

Originally posted by: Zysoclaplem

Originally posted by: GeekDrew

Originally posted by: kogase

Originally posted by: Zysoclaplem
I've always been blunt, almost to the point of rudeness. I don't care for being tactful unless the situation merits it. I also consider myself mature.

ur gay lol

:|

Me is thinking he was joking to not only show his lack of tact but maturity in a joking manner. Then again he could just be an asshole...lol.

It sounded alot more funny in my head than it ended up on-screen.

Some people have tact like some people have common sense. If you're 14 and don't have tact or common sense, chances are you never will. At 14 you still generally don't have enough raw experience to make responsible life decisions, and to therefore be considered mature, I don't think.

Ah.... well, I'm not even trying to imply that 'tact' == 'maturity'... I know that is very untrue. However, I think that tactfulness is one component of maturity.

 

[vi edit]

I say it depends on who you are dealing with.

Sometimes being blunt gets you fired and blacklisted. Sometimes it gets you respect and more productive coworkers.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Didn't really think about it a lot but maybe it can be related to wisdom as well?

 

[Zysoclaplem]

Originally posted by: Fenixgoon
IMO, better to be blunt than to be tactful and confuse things (cause it can happen sometimes)

Sometimes it's better to be tactful and choose your words carefully in a situation.
A tool of manipulation, if used in a certain manner.
You can talk yourself out of some sticky situations that way.

 

[GeekDrew]

Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo
Didn't really think about it a lot but maybe it can be related to wisdom as well?

Perhaps moreso than maturity... hadn't thought about that... but the wisdom to know the difference between situations in which you need to be tactful, and those that you do not, is extremely important. At least to me.

 

[DrPizza]

Originally posted by: Fenixgoon
IMO, better to be blunt than to be tactful and confuse things (cause it can happen sometimes)

I teach high school students... it's a 50/50 mix of being tactful and being blunt.