Remember when the most significant decision you had to make was what color glitter to wear? Yeah, adulthood is a bit more complex. Being a grown woman is pretty awesome, don’t you think? You're independent, capable, and hopefully rocking a killer sense of self. But sometimes, even the coolest grown-ups can find themselves sticking to a few habits that belong more on the playground than in the boardroom or at a fancy dinner party, and even the most capable woman can find herself slipping back into some, well, let's just say "less mature" habits.

Many times, people do things we don't understand. We adopt behaviors that go "against" our age, and even though we know we are "wrong," we continue in the same mode. Unfortunately, these "bad" habits can also prevent us from growing up - emotionally and spiritually.

Even the "smallest" thing, from holding a grudge against a friend for something meaningless or seeking validation from others, can be considered "childish" behavior and a tell-tale sign that it's time to grow up.

However, all this growing-up talk is not about losing your sense of fun or spontaneity! It's about recognizing behaviors that might be holding you back from feeling truly empowered and fulfilled.

So, let's ditch the emotional tantrums and embrace the beautiful things that come with being a grown woman. Here are five childish behaviors you can say goodbye to and step confidently into your most mature, fabulous self!

You are selfish in your friendships

If you have a friend willing to drop everything and be there when you need them, do the same for them. In friendships, efforts should always be equal for a healthy outcome. If your friend is always there when you need them, it's time for you to do the same. Grown-ups understand the importance of caring for their loved ones and sometimes make small sacrifices to be there for them.

You hold a grudge

It's time to stop obsessing about your ex or constantly talking about them. We know it may hurt, but life is short. Keep people in your life who are good for you, and get rid of anyone who doesn't make your world a better place. People do their best according to their perceptions and life experiences, and filling yourself with negative emotions is a sign that you must work towards your adult self. In general, avoid drama; if you aren’t a teen movie star, don’t act like one!

You seek validation from others

When you want to find your confidence and self-esteem, instead of turning to others for validation, it's best to turn inward. That is, to yourself. Once you reach a certain age, you just have to stop overthinking or being afraid. Do what makes you happy, and don’t count on anyone’s opinion. Different people, different personalities, hence, different perspectives.

You are never grateful

Denying or not acknowledging the positive aspects of yourself and your efforts is more than just childish behavior. Feeling ungrateful could be a sign of a deeper inner problem, and it is undoubtedly a sign that you need to grow up. Being grateful for everything in your life that makes you happy is important and remember that not all people have had or will ever have the same chances as you in life. Appreciate all the good around you and say, “Thank you!”.

You think you know everything

No, you don't know everything. No one knows it all, and if anyone thinks they do, they're just naive. As you get older, you realize that everything is so fluid that life changes from one day to the next, and that's more than okay. Nothing is a given, not even knowledge. The “smart-ass” attitude is not appealing and generally turns people away. Don’t be one!