My mom always used to tell me “follow your heart,” and honestly, that’s something I’ve always done.

However, what I’ve come to realize is that following your heart is not always the right thing to do.

You see, when we follow our heart we let our emotions rule, and as a result, we can act without realizing the full extent of our actions.

In contrast, when we listen to our heads let logic guide us, and our actions may be more calculated and thought out.

Interestingly, people tend to do one or the other, and both have their pros and cons. If you’re unsure if you’re a heart or head follower, read on.

Here are eight behaviors that emotionally-driven people tend to display, often without even realizing it.

1) Emotional triggers

We all have our triggers, but for those who act primarily on emotion, these triggers can be particularly powerful.

Emotion-driven individuals often react quickly to situations that ignite their feelings, whether it’s anger, joy, fear, or sadness. It’s like a spark that instantly sets off a reaction.

And what’s more interesting, they might not even realize how these triggers shape their behavior.

Consider a situation where someone flips out over a minor mistake.

To an outsider, the reaction might seem disproportionate. But for the emotional individual, it’s a natural response.

Spotting these triggers can help us understand why emotionally-driven people behave the way they do. It also offers them an opportunity for self-awareness and growth.

2) Following gut feelings

This is something I’ve noticed in my own interactions.

Those who often act on emotion tend to rely heavily on their gut feelings.

Let me share a personal example.

A friend of mine, let’s call her Lisa, is someone who primarily acts on emotion.

One day, we had planned a weekend getaway. We had researched the best places, booked accommodation in advance, and laid out a detailed itinerary.

However, on the day of departure, Lisa had a “gut feeling” that we shouldn’t go.

There was no logical reasoning behind her decision – the weather was perfect, our bookings were confirmed, and we were all set to leave.

But Lisa was so convinced by her emotional intuition that we ended up canceling the trip.

It was frustrating at the time, but it also made me realize how deeply she trusts her gut feelings over logic.

People like Lisa are often guided by their instincts and emotions rather than rational analysis.

They perceive their gut feelings as reliable indicators of what’s right or wrong, safe or dangerous, good or bad. And these instincts can often influence their actions without them even realizing it.

3) Difficulty with delayed gratification

Delayed gratification is the ability to resist the temptation for an immediate reward and wait for a later, often greater, reward.

Sounds simple, right?

But it’s not as easy as it sounds.

People who often act on emotion, rather than logic, struggle more with delayed gratification.

An emotional decision-maker might choose instant pleasure over long-term benefits because their feelings in the present moment are stronger than their reasoning about future consequences.

Let’s take saving money as an example.

Logic would advise us to save for a rainy day or future investments.

But the emotional urge to spend on an immediate desire can overpower this logical thinking.

Emotion-driven people are more likely to give into these urges without even realizing they’re doing so.

It’s not that they can’t understand the benefits of delayed gratification; it’s that their actions are primarily guided by their emotions in the present moment.

4) High empathy levels

There’s a silver lining to being driven by emotions, and that often comes in the form of empathy.

Emotionally driven people usually have a heightened ability to understand and share the feelings of others. They can easily put themselves in someone else’s shoes and experience their emotions as if they were their own.

This sensitivity allows them to connect deeply with others and offer comfort in times of distress. They’re often the ones you’ll find lending a listening ear or offering a shoulder to lean on.

However, they may not realize just how much their emotional nature contributes to this empathetic behavior.

It’s something that comes so naturally to them that they might take it for granted, not realizing it’s a trait not everyone possesses.

But it’s definitely something worth acknowledging and cherishing because it makes them the compassionate individuals they are.

5) Wearing their heart on their sleeve

Have you ever met someone and instantly felt like you could see into their soul?

This is a common trait among those who act based on emotion.

They wear their hearts on their sleeves, allowing their emotions to be seen clearly by those around them. Whether they’re bursting with joy or grappling with sorrow, their feelings are often palpable.

This openness can be both beautiful and vulnerable. It allows for authentic connections, but it also leaves them exposed to potential hurt.

However, in the whirlwind of their emotions, they might not even realize how transparent they are. They might not understand that this openness is not common to everyone, as others may shield their emotions more.

Yet, it’s these very people who often remind us of the power of genuine emotions and the beauty of raw humanity.

Their heartfelt expressions of emotion can touch us in profound ways, often without them even realizing the impact they’re making.

6) Overthinking and worry

I’ve found that people who act on emotion often have a tendency to overthink situations. It’s like their minds are stuck on a loop, replaying scenarios and conversations over and over again.

A few years ago, I received critical feedback from my boss. While it was meant to help me improve, I couldn’t help but let my emotions take over.

I found myself replaying the conversation in my head, overanalyzing every word.

I lost sleep worrying about it, even though logically, I knew it was just constructive criticism.

This is a common behavior among emotionally-driven people. They often grapple with worry and overthought, allowing their emotions to amplify situations beyond their logical proportions.

And the kicker is, they might not even realize they’re doing it.

It can feel so inherent, so natural to them, that they don’t recognize it as an emotional response rather than a logical one. It’s just part of who they are.

7) Sensitivity to criticism

Criticism is hard for most people to swallow. But for those who act on emotion, it can be particularly challenging.

Emotionally-driven people often take criticism to heart. They may perceive it as a personal attack, rather than constructive feedback.

This sensitivity can stem from their deep-seated emotions and the value they place on others’ opinions.

For example, a casual remark about their work could lead them to question their abilities and worth, causing them to feel hurt or defensive.

The interesting thing is, they might not even be aware of this heightened sensitivity. It’s not that they’re intentionally being defensive; it’s just that their emotions are interpreting the feedback differently.

Being aware of this tendency can help them understand and manage their reactions better.

It also serves as a reminder for us to deliver criticism with kindness and empathy, acknowledging their feelings while helping them grow.

8) Strong emotional connections

Above everything else, emotionally-driven people have a remarkable ability to forge deep, emotional connections with others.

They’re often the ones who:

• Remember small details about your life
• Truly listen when you speak
• Feel your triumphs and your pains almost as intensely as you do

This ability can make their relationships incredibly enriching and fulfilling.

They have the capacity to form bonds that go beyond surface-level interactions, reaching into the very core of human connection.

Yet, they might not even recognize the depth of these connections. They may simply see it as a natural part of their interactions, not realizing that their emotional nature allows them to connect on a level many others can’t.

And that’s something truly special. It’s an inherent gift that brings genuine warmth and richness into their relationships, creating bonds that truly stand the test of time.

A deeper understanding

Acting on emotion and acting on logic both have their pros and cons. However, in this modern world, we are often encouraged to put our emotions aside and think logically.

But as you can see, there are many beautiful benefits to following your heart, so this is not a tendency you should try to dismiss completely.

However, being aware of the cons of acting on emotion can help you identify situations where logic may be a better response.

Balance is key; Our heads and our hearts should work together, not against each other!