Emotional intelligence – we hear about it, we talk about it, but what does it truly mean?

It’s more than just being in tune with your emotions. It’s about understanding and managing your own emotions, as well as recognizing and influencing the emotions of others.

In a way, having high emotional intelligence is like having a secret superpower, allowing you to navigate life with an extra layer of understanding.

But are you one of those gifted individuals? Is your emotional intelligence above the norm and you just haven’t realized it?

Well, there are certain signs that can indicate this. In this article, I’ll be revealing some of these signs.

If you recognize them in yourself, you might be more emotionally intelligent than you think.

1) You’re empathetic towards others

In the world of emotional intelligence, empathy is a cornerstone.

And no, empathy isn’t just about understanding others’ feelings on a superficial level.

It’s about genuinely stepping into someone else’s shoes, understanding their perspective, and feeling what they feel.

But don’t mistake this for being overly sensitive or a pushover.

Being empathetic means you can connect with others on an emotional level while maintaining your own emotional boundaries.

This ability to sense and understand others’ emotions, especially when they may not be outwardly visible, speaks volumes about your emotional intelligence.

If you find yourself doing this naturally, well then my friend, you have a higher level of emotional intelligence than you perhaps realized.

Embrace it. It’s one of the key signs that you’re more emotionally intelligent than you think.

2) You have high self-regulation

Ever heard of the term “self-regulation”?

In psychology, self-regulation is all about your ability to manage your own emotions, especially in stressful situations. It’s about keeping your cool when things heat up.

You see, people with high emotional intelligence have this unique ability to stay calm under pressure. They don’t let their emotions get the best of them.

Instead, they take a step back, assess the situation and their emotional response to it, and then decide on the best course of action. And guess what? They do this without even thinking.

So if you’re someone who can keep their emotions in check when everyone else is losing theirs…

Well, let’s just say you’re showing a key sign of high emotional intelligence.

3) You’re not afraid of change

Now, this might seem counter-intuitive. After all, shouldn’t emotionally intelligent people be more in tune with their emotions and therefore more resistant to change?

Not quite.

In fact, those with high emotional intelligence are often more comfortable with change than their counterparts.

They understand that change is a part of life and instead of resisting it, they embrace it.

They’re able to manage the emotions that come with change and use them to adapt and thrive. They see change not as a threat, but as an opportunity.

4) Do you view failure differently?

Ever thought about how you view failure? Not just as a simple setback, but as an opportunity for growth and learning?

People with high emotional intelligence have a unique perspective on failure. They don’t view it as a dead-end, but rather as a stepping stone to success.

They understand that failure is just a part of the journey. They see it as an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to improve.

Instead of letting their emotions get the best of them, they manage their feelings, analyze what went wrong, and use this information to better themselves.

So if you’re someone who sees the silver lining in every failure and uses it as a stepping stone towards success, you’re demonstrating a key sign of high emotional intelligence.

5) You’re aware of your strengths and weaknesses

Having high emotional intelligence isn’t about being perfect. It’s about knowing who you are, warts and all.

This means being cognizant of both your strengths and weaknesses.

People with high emotional intelligence are usually:

• Open to feedback
• Willing to work on their weaknesses
• Comfortable leveraging their strengths

They don’t shy away from their flaws, nor do they let their strengths get to their head.

They understand that everyone has areas to work on and areas where they excel.

So if you’ve got a clear understanding of where you shine and where you could use a little polishing, that’s another sign you’re more emotionally intelligent than you realize.

6) You’re good at reading people

Now this is something I’ve noticed in people with high emotional intelligence – they’re incredibly good at reading others.

It’s almost like they have a sixth sense. They can pick up on subtle cues, body language, and the tone of voice that others often miss.

They understand that communication isn’t just about words. It’s about gestures, expressions, and even silence.

We’re not just talking about picking up on someone’s mood here. We’re talking about understanding their motivations, their fears, and their desires.

Let’s be clear, this isn’t about manipulation. It’s about understanding and connecting with people on a deeper level.

7) You don’t avoid difficult conversations

Imagine you’re in a situation where a difficult conversation is inevitable. Maybe it’s about addressing a mistake, giving negative feedback, or discussing a sensitive topic. How do you handle it?

People with high emotional intelligence don’t shy away from these tough conversations. They understand that while these talks may be uncomfortable, they’re necessary for growth and improvement.

They approach these conversations with empathy and tact. They know how to express their thoughts and feelings without attacking the other person’s character.

Instead of avoiding conflict, they see it as an opportunity to clear the air, to improve relationships, and to move forward.

8) You don’t let others’ emotions sway you

I remember a time when I was caught in the middle of a heated argument between two of my closest friends. They were both angry, upset, and looking to me for support.

In that moment, I realized something crucial. While I empathized with their feelings, I didn’t let their emotions dictate my own emotional state.

That’s a trait commonly seen in people with high emotional intelligence.

They empathize with others, but they don’t let others’ emotions control them. They’re able to separate their feelings from the feelings of those around them.

This doesn’t mean they’re indifferent or uncaring. They simply understand that they’re responsible for their own emotions and not the emotions of others.

9) You value relationships

And here we are at the final sign of high emotional intelligence – valuing relationships.

People with high emotional intelligence understand the importance of cultivating and maintaining meaningful relationships.

They’re not just interested in surface-level interactions. They value deep, meaningful connections. They invest time and energy in understanding others and being understood.

They listen, they empathize, and they communicate effectively. They’re there for others, not just in good times, but also in times of adversity.

If you find yourself cherishing your relationships and nurturing them with care, well, that’s the most telling sign of all. 

It shows that you’re not just emotionally intelligent, but that you understand the very essence of what it means to be human.

So, what does this all mean for you?

Well, if you’ve recognized these signs in yourself, you’re likely more emotionally intelligent than you realize. 

This isn’t just a nice-to-have trait, but a powerful tool that can help improve every aspect of your life.

Being emotionally intelligent can lead to:

• Improved relationships
• Better decision-making
• Increased resilience
• Greater self-confidence

Emotional intelligence isn’t about mastering a list of skills or ticking off boxes.

It’s about understanding and managing your emotions and the emotions of those around you.

As you continue on your journey of self-discovery and growth, remember to reflect on these signs.

They’re not just markers of emotional intelligence, but reminders of the complexity and beauty of being human.