- Holden shows a reluctance to communicate with others verbally- proof that he does not have the ability to act at a maturity level expected by an adolescent of his age
- Rather than dealing with confrontations in a mature adult way, Holden relies on physical confrontation to address his problems- when Holden is jealous or angry with a person his first instinct is to physically provoke them.
- Although Holden clearly has thoughts and sentiments on a different level from those around him, he does not allow anyone to understand him- he keeps to himself and pushes away anyone who tries to get close
- Also shows that Holden's peers have made an effort to grow up and move on, as others try to address their feelings with their words, whereas Holden hasn't made the effort