Ever had a chat with someone and felt like something’s not quite right?

It might be because they’re not the best at managing emotions – theirs or others’. This skill is called ’emotional intelligence’, and it’s really important.

When people are good at this, they usually have better relationships, perform well at work, and feel happier overall. But what happens when someone isn’t so good at it? And what if that person is a woman?

In this article, we’re going to share about 10 phrases that a woman might use during a conversation which may suggest she’s not very high on emotional intelligence.

1. “I’m fine.”

Let’s start with the classic “I’m fine.” Now, we all use this phrase from time to time. But when a woman consistently uses this phrase, especially when it’s clear she’s not okay, it could indicate a lack of emotional intelligence.

Being in touch with our emotions and expressing them honestly is a large part of emotional intelligence. When someone says they’re “fine” while their body language or situation suggests otherwise, it can mean they’re struggling to express their true feelings.

This isn’t just about honesty; it’s about being self-aware and being able to communicate effectively.

So, if “I’m fine” is a go-to phrase despite what’s really going on, it might be a sign of lower emotional intelligence.

2. “You always…” or “You never…”

Next up on our list are the absolute phrases like “You always…” or “You never…” When used excessively, these phrases can indicate a lack of emotional intelligence.

These phrases are often used to criticize or point out flaws, which can put the other person on the defensive. This can stifle communication rather than foster it, which isn’t emotionally intelligent.

Emotional intelligence involves understanding and empathizing with others, and these all-or-nothing phrases can show a lack of that understanding. It’s rarely the case that someone always or never does something, so using these phrases can also suggest a lack of perspective.

If you notice these phrases popping up often in a conversation, it might hint at a struggle with emotional intelligence.

3. “Whatever.”

The third phrase is a classic one-word conversation ender: “Whatever.” This one brings back personal memories for me.

I remember a time when I was having a heated discussion with a friend about planning a trip. We couldn’t agree on where to go and after back-and-forth suggestions, she just shrugged and said, “Whatever.”

This didn’t solve anything and only served to shut down the conversation, leaving me feeling frustrated and unheard.

Using “whatever” in this dismissive way can indicate a lack of emotional intelligence. It shows an unwillingness to engage in the conversation, understand the other person’s viewpoint, or find a compromise.

Emotional intelligence involves active communication and empathy, which are both missing when someone uses “whatever” to avoid dealing with an issue.

So, if you hear this phrase often, it might be a sign of lower emotional intelligence.

4. “It’s not my fault.”

Moving on to the fourth phrase: “It’s not my fault.” This is a phrase often used by people who are keen on shifting blame rather than taking responsibility for their actions.

Interestingly, a study found that individuals who frequently avoid taking responsibility for their actions tend to have lower levels of emotional intelligence.

Emotional intelligence involves recognizing our own actions and how they impact others. Continually avoiding responsibility and blaming others can indicate a struggle with this aspect of emotional intelligence.

5. “I don’t care.”

Our fifth phrase is a tough one: “I don’t care.” It’s a phrase that can really sting when you’re trying to connect with someone emotionally.

Emotional intelligence is all about understanding and managing emotions, both ours and others’. When someone repeatedly uses the phrase “I don’t care,” it can feel like they’re building a wall around themselves, making it difficult to reach them emotionally.

This phrase often indicates a lack of empathy, which is a key element of emotional intelligence. It shuts down the opportunity for understanding and connection.

If you hear “I don’t care” frequently in your conversations with a woman, it might suggest she’s struggling with emotional intelligence.

6. “That’s just the way I am.”

The sixth phrase is one I’ve come across personally: “That’s just the way I am.”

I remember a time when a friend of mine would often interrupt people while they were speaking. When I gently pointed this out to her, she shrugged it off saying, “That’s just the way I am.”

The phrase can be a way of avoiding growth or change. Emotional intelligence involves recognizing our own flaws and working on them.

By saying “That’s just the way I am,” she essentially refused to acknowledge the issue or consider changing her behavior.

7. “I hate drama.”

Here’s a phrase that’s all too common: “I hate drama.”

Now, don’t get me wrong, no one likes unnecessary conflict. But when this phrase is consistently used to dodge difficult conversations or situations, it can be a red flag for lower emotional intelligence.

Emotional intelligence isn’t just about being comfortable when things are easy; it’s about navigating through the rough patches too. It’s about those tough conversations, facing uncomfortable truths, and working through emotional challenges.

The phrase “I hate drama” can sometimes be a mask for avoiding emotional responsibility. It’s raw and it’s real – if you frequently hear this phrase as a way of avoiding difficult conversations, it might suggest a struggle with emotional intelligence.

8. “You’re too sensitive.”

On to the eighth phrase: “You’re too sensitive.” This can be a tricky one because it often shifts the focus from the speaker’s actions to the listener’s reaction.

However, people with high emotional intelligence are less likely to use belittling language, like calling someone “too sensitive.”

Emotional intelligence involves understanding and respecting others’ feelings. By calling someone “too sensitive,” the speaker invalidates the other person’s feelings instead of acknowledging their own role in causing upset.

So, if you often hear “You’re too sensitive,” it could indicate a lack of emotional intelligence.

9. “Why can’t you just get over it?”

Our ninth phrase hits close to home for me: “Why can’t you just get over it?”

I recall a time when I was going through a tough phase and was sharing my feelings with a friend. Instead of offering support or understanding, she responded with, “Why can’t you just get over it?”

This phrase can indicate a lack of empathy, which is a key component of emotional intelligence. It dismisses the other person’s feelings and struggles, rather than offering understanding or support.

10. “I don’t need anyone.”

Our final phrase is a tough one: “I don’t need anyone.”

Emotional intelligence involves understanding and managing both our own emotions and those of others. It’s about connection, empathy, and mutual support.

When someone frequently insists that they don’t need anyone, it can feel like they’re shutting others out emotionally. This can indicate a struggle with emotional intelligence.

After all, we all need someone at some point. If you often hear this phrase, it might suggest the person isn’t fully tapping into their emotional intelligence.