Emotional intelligence is a big deal, trust me. It’s all about understanding and managing your own emotions, while also empathizing with others.

If you can do this well, it means you’re likely to have high emotional intelligence.

High emotional intelligence? Yes, it’s a real thing, and it’s something that can greatly improve your life, not to mention your interactions with others.

And guess what? There are certain traits that can signal if you have this kind of intelligence.

In this article, I’ll go through 9 of them.

Let’s get started.

1) You’re self-aware

The first step in emotional intelligence? Self-awareness.

To be emotionally intelligent, you have to know yourself. And I mean really know yourself.

You need to understand what makes you tick, what gets your blood boiling, and what brings a smile to your face.

People with high emotional intelligence are very much in tune with their emotions and understand how their feelings can impact their thoughts and actions.

They don’t shy away from their emotions, either. They embrace them, understand them, and use them to guide their decisions.

So, if you find yourself reflecting on your feelings and analyzing why you react the way you do, you’re already displaying a key trait of high emotional intelligence.

Self-awareness isn’t just about understanding your emotions. It’s also about recognizing how your actions affect others. So take a moment to reflect on that too.

Are you self-aware? If yes, then you could have high emotional intelligence.

2) You’re empathetic

Empathy is my jam. It’s the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. And let me tell you, it’s a game changer.

Here’s an example from my own life. A few years ago, a good friend of mine was going through a tough breakup. Now, I could’ve just said, “That sucks, you’ll get over it.” But having high emotional intelligence means going that extra mile.

So instead, I put myself in her shoes. I remembered how it felt when I went through my own heartbreak. The sleepless nights, the endless questioning, the painful void.

I didn’t just understand what she was going through – I felt it with her. And that allowed me to provide the support she needed during that difficult time.

If you find yourself naturally empathizing with others, feeling their joys and their pains, then congratulations – you’re displaying another key trait of high emotional intelligence.

3) You’re adaptable

Life is a roller coaster, full of ups, downs, and unexpected turns. And guess what? People with high emotional intelligence are the ones holding their hands up and embracing the ride.

Adaptability is all about being flexible in response to change. It’s about rolling with the punches and adjusting your sails when the winds of life shift.

Did you know that Charles Darwin once said it’s not the strongest or most intelligent species that survives, but the one most adaptable to change? That rings true for us humans too.

If you’re someone who remains calm in the face of change, who can adjust your plans and go with the flow, you’re showing another clear sign of high emotional intelligence.

When life throws you a curveball, take it as a compliment – you’re more emotionally intelligent than you think!

4) You’re a good listener

Ever catch yourself listening to respond rather than listening to understand? It’s a common habit, but those with high emotional intelligence tend to do the latter.

Good listeners don’t just hear words, they absorb them. They pay attention to body language, tone of voice, and the feelings behind the words. It’s not just about understanding what is being said, but why it’s being said.

If you’re someone who truly listens when others speak, who makes people feel heard and understood, then you’re demonstrating another key trait of emotional intelligence.

When you’re in a conversation, take a second to really listen. You might be surprised at what you learn, about others and about yourself.

5) You’re a master of self-control

Let’s face it, we all have moments when we’d love to lose our cool. But those with high emotional intelligence? They have an uncanny ability to keep their feelings under control, even in stressful situations.

Self-control is all about managing your reactions to challenging circumstances. It’s about taking a deep breath, counting to ten, and responding in a calm and collected manner.

If you find that you’re able to keep your emotions in check when things get tough, then you’re showing another clear sign of high emotional intelligence.

When you’re faced with a stressful situation, remember: your ability to stay calm is a testament to your emotional intelligence!

6) You’re genuinely happy for others

I believe true emotional intelligence shines when we can feel joy for other people’s achievements – even when we’re facing our own disappointments.

Celebrating others’ success, rather than being envious, is a clear sign of high emotional intelligence. It shows that you can step out of your own world and truly appreciate what others have accomplished.

If you’ve ever felt a swell of pride for a friend who landed their dream job, or a rush of joy for a loved one who just had their first child, then you’ve experienced this.

When someone shares their good news with you, allow yourself to celebrate with them wholeheartedly. It’s not just a nice thing to do, it’s an indicator of your emotional intelligence.

7) You’re not afraid to say “I’m sorry”

Apologies can be tough. I’ve been there – it’s never easy to admit when you’re wrong. But, it’s a key trait for those with high emotional intelligence.

Saying “I’m sorry” isn’t just about admitting a mistake. It’s about acknowledging the impact of our actions on others. It’s about showing empathy and willingness to make things right.

I remember a time when I unintentionally hurt a friend’s feelings with an off-hand comment. Instead of brushing it off, I took a step back, recognized my misstep, and apologized sincerely.

If you’re someone who can swallow your pride and apologize when necessary, then you’re displaying another key trait of high emotional intelligence.

When you mess up, don’t shy away from those two little words – they can make a big difference.

8) You’re curious about others

Ever find yourself genuinely interested in other people’s experiences or perspectives? That’s a sign of high emotional intelligence.

Being curious about others isn’t just about being nosy. It’s about wanting to understand people on a deeper level. It’s about appreciating that everyone has their own story to tell.

If you’re someone who loves to ask questions, who seeks to understand people better and learn from them, then you’re showing another sign of high emotional intelligence.

So keep being curious – it’s a wonderful trait to have!

9) You practice gratitude

Gratitude is the heart of emotional intelligence. It’s about acknowledging the good in your life and recognizing that much of it comes from outside yourself.

When you practice gratitude, you cultivate a positive outlook and foster a deep sense of humility. You focus on what you have, not what you lack.

If you’re someone who regularly expresses thanks, takes time to count your blessings and appreciate the good in your life, then you’re displaying the most crucial trait of high emotional intelligence.

This is it, the core of it all, the key to unlocking a higher level of emotional understanding.

So carry on with your grateful heart- it’s leading you down a beautiful path.

Final thoughts: It’s all about connection

At the heart of emotional intelligence lies a simple, yet profound concept – connection.

Connection with our own emotions, with the feelings of others, and with the world around us. It’s about understanding and embracing our shared humanity.

The American author and spiritual teacher, Ram Dass, once said, “We’re all just walking each other home.” And isn’t that what emotional intelligence is all about?

It’s not just about being self-aware or empathetic. It’s about using these traits to form deeper, more meaningful connections with others.

So whether you see yourself in all, some, or none of these traits, remember this – emotional intelligence is not a destination, but a journey. A journey of understanding, empathy, and most importantly, connection.

As you go forward, reflect on these traits. How do they show up in your life? How can you cultivate them further?

Remember, the power to connect is in your hands. Use it wisely.