Beyond the limitations of immaturity

Have you ever wondered 'at what exact moment do people turn from immaturity to maturity?' because i have.
I realize that this is subjective and it more so depends on each particular person rather than society as a whole, and a particular age group; but it seems that some folks never reach that turning point into maturity. Oh, how I pity them.

I realize that maturity comes in all shapes, sizes and degrees with each person in the world, and in my case my maturity came in certain areas of my life at certain times. I'm not afraid to say that in some areas, yes, i would still consider myself immature. One example would be the area of parenthood, or selflessness. I know that I am extremely selfish when it comes down to it. Selfish in a sense that I'm not willing to give up my life of late nights, concerts, bars, caffeine, fast food, and tight jeans all to supplement another human being. No way, not a chance. One day I might grow up and rid myself of the selfish immaturity and know that to create something between me and my partner will forever change our lives as we know it, I know that when i look down into that child's eyes and see my own (or my spouse's) that giving up my selfish life was totally worth it. Or at least thats what i've been told by those whom I know who have children of their own.

Anyways, my point is, that at age 19, i realized one morning that it wasn't cool and it sure as hell wasn't fun to wake up with my face in the trash can, puking any remanence of last nights dinner and booze into the can. At that moment maturity struck me, hard, i would say. The turning point that morning to maturity was about self control.

My point here, is that I do not understand how someone who is 23 years old, almost 24, can still have the immaturity level of a 16 year old boy. I've come across some 16 year olds lately and I have actually found that some of them are actually profoundly much more mature than this 23 year old I am thinking of. Sad, i know. The part I pity most for this man, is that he blames it on his upbringing. Poor Poor immature little boy. It doesn't matter how you grew up, what matters is what you learn from it.

For those of you who do know me, know that I have the "savior complex" and I must save everyone I come across, I have a natural tendency to try to help people. But one way or another i usually manage to get in too far over my head and need a life saver thrown to me. In the case of 23 year old Jose Diaz, this is what happened.

I suppose you could say this is my turning point into maturity of realization that I can not be everyone's savior. Some people are too far out of my own capabilities to help that they need to turn to someone professional for it.

Though I have cut all ties with this person, I will still remember the few good times we did have. And that's okay, it's sort of like death. I will try my best not to remember the bad times, the lies, the hatred, the cursing, but remember the laughter, the smiles, the jokes.... eh.. come to think of it, he's better off dead. :)