We all interact with people, but not everyone does it with the same level of finesse or awareness.

You may look back on your social interactions and wonder why you reacted a certain way, or question whether your response was appropriate or not.

How do you know if you’ve truly mastered the art of emotional intelligence, or if you’re just muddling through social situations hoping for the best?

After reflecting profoundly on my own journey towards emotional intelligence and observing others who have managed to master this elusive art, I have compiled a list of 10 things such people never do in a social situation. 

If these resonate with you, it might be an indication that you’ve reached a high level of emotional intelligence – or perhaps, a sign that there’s still room for growth.

This piece aims to shed light on the behaviours that embody emotional intelligence, helping you to understand and navigate this complex yet crucial aspect of human interaction.

1) They never react without understanding

People who have mastered the art of emotional intelligence are not impulsive.

They understand the importance of truly listening and comprehending what others are communicating before responding. 

Whether it’s a heated argument or a casual conversation, they take the time to process the information.

They empathize with the speaker’s feelings, and then craft their response in a thoughtful and respectful manner. 

This not only aids in avoiding misunderstandings but also helps build strong and meaningful relationships.

2) They never dismiss others’ feelings

Those who have honed their emotional intelligence understand that everyone’s feelings are valid, regardless of whether they agree with them or not.

They never belittle or dismiss another person’s emotions.

 Instead, they acknowledge and respect them, creating a safe space for open dialogue.

This respectful approach allows for healthier interactions and fosters mutual understanding and trust.

3) They never let a negative environment influence their behavior

Mastering emotional intelligence means maintaining your emotional balance, even when the environment around you is negative or chaotic.

I remember a situation at a previous workplace where the stress levels were high and the atmosphere was tense. Co-workers were snapping at each other, and negativity was spreading like wildfire. 

However, instead of getting pulled into the cycle of stress and negativity, I made a conscious choice to stay calm and composed.

I focused on my work and on maintaining positive interactions with my colleagues.

This approach not only helped me keep my stress levels under control, but it also had a calming effect on those around me. 

People with high emotional intelligence understand that they can’t control their environment, but they can control their reaction to it.

4) They never hold onto grudges

While it’s human nature to feel hurt or upset when someone wrongs us, individuals with high emotional intelligence choose not to hold onto grudges.

This isn’t just an emotionally intelligent trait, but also a healthy one. 

In fact, according to a study, holding onto grudges can lead to long-term health problems like heart disease and diabetes.

Those who master emotional intelligence understand this, and they prioritize their well-being by letting go of past hurts and moving forward with positivity and resilience.

5) They never jump to conclusions

A significant aspect of emotional intelligence involves not jumping to conclusions without having all the facts.

I recall an incident in my personal life when a close friend of mine seemed distant and unresponsive.

It would have been easy to assume that they were upset with me or that I had done something wrong. 

However, instead of letting my imagination run wild, I chose to communicate my concerns directly.

It turned out that they were going through a difficult time and appreciated my understanding and support. 

People with high emotional intelligence embrace clear communication over assumptions, fostering better and healthier relationships.

6) They never dominate conversations

They understand the importance of balance in a conversation. So they never dominate discussions or make them solely about themselves.

Instead, they listen as much as they speak, if not more.

They value the opinions and perspectives of others, creating an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels heard and appreciated.

7) They never avoid expressing their emotions

People with high emotional intelligence are not afraid to express their feelings.

They understand that it’s not a sign of weakness, but rather a demonstration of authenticity and self-awareness. 

Knowing how to express their emotions in a healthy and respectful way, whether it’s joy, anger, or sadness, without letting them overpower their judgement or actions.

8) They never ignore their own needs

While being empathetic and considerate of others’ feelings is crucial, individuals with high emotional intelligence never neglect their own needs.

They understand that self-care is not selfish, but essential for maintaining balance and well-being. 

So they make time for activities they enjoy and take care of their physical and mental health, ensuring they are at their best when interacting with others.

9) They never make decisions solely based on emotions

Emotionally intelligent people know that while emotions are important, they should not be the sole basis for decision-making.

They recognize that emotions can cloud judgement and lead to impulsive decisions. 

Therefore, they incorporate logic and critical thinking into their decision-making process, ensuring they make balanced and rational choices.

10) They never disregard the power of body language

They understand that body language can often communicate more than words.

They are observant of others’ body language and are mindful of their own, ensuring that their non-verbal cues align with what they are saying and feeling. 

This attention to detail helps them connect better with others and accurately interpret social situations.