It’s not always obvious when you’re experiencing emotional growth — in fact, it often happens without us even realising it.
If you’ve been working on yourself, healing from trauma, generally trying to be more mindful and intentional in your relationships with yourself and other people, your EQ may just be skyrocketing. Here’s how you know you’re growing emotionally in the best ways.
1. You’re more comfortable with uncertainty.
Remember when not knowing exactly what would happen next used to send you into a panic? Now, you find yourself more at ease with life’s uncertainties. You’ve learned that you can’t control everything, and that’s okay. This shift allows you to be more flexible and adaptable in the face of unexpected changes or challenges.
2. You take responsibility for your actions without self-blame.
Gone are the days when you’d beat yourself up over every mistake. Now, you’re able to acknowledge when you’ve messed up without spiralling into self-loathing. You take ownership of your actions, learn from them, and move forward. This balance between accountability and self-compassion is a clear sign of emotional maturity.
3. Your reactions to criticism have changed.
Criticism used to feel like a personal attack, but now you’re able to receive feedback more objectively. You can separate constructive criticism from unhelpful negativity, and you’re able to use constructive feedback to improve yourself. This ability to learn and grow from other people’s input is a huge marker of emotional development.
4. You’re better at setting and maintaining boundaries.
You’ve learned that it’s okay to say no, and you can do so without feeling guilty. You understand that setting boundaries isn’t selfish, but necessary for your health and the health of your relationships. This newfound ability to prioritise your needs while respecting other people is a clear sign of emotional growth.
5. Your empathy has increased.
These days, you can put yourself in other people’s shoes more easily, even when their experiences are vastly different from your own. This doesn’t mean you always agree with everyone, but you’re better at understanding where they’re coming from. This increased empathy allows for more meaningful connections and less judgement.
6. You’re more patient with yourself and other people.
Remember when minor inconveniences would ruin your entire day? Now, you’re able to take life’s little annoyances in stride. You’ve learned that progress takes time, both for yourself and for other people. This patience allows you to navigate challenges with more grace and less stress.
7. You’re less reactive to emotional triggers.
Situations or comments that used to set you off no longer have the same power over you. You’re able to pause and think before reacting, giving yourself time to process your emotions. This ability to respond rather than react is a key indicator of emotional maturity and growth.
8. You’re more comfortable with vulnerability.
Opening up used to feel scary, but now you understand the strength in vulnerability. You’re more willing to share your true feelings and experiences with trusted people in your life. This openness allows for deeper connections and more authentic relationships.
9. You’re better at recognising and expressing your emotions.
Gone are the days when you’d bottle up your feelings until you exploded. Now, you’re able to identify what you’re feeling and express it in healthy ways. This emotional literacy helps you navigate your inner world more effectively and communicate better.
10. You’re more focused on personal growth than comparison.
You used to measure your worth against other people’s achievements, but now you understand that everyone’s journey is unique. Your focus has shifted to your own personal growth and progress. This shift helps you be truly happy for other people’s wins without feeling diminished.
11. You’re able to forgive more easily.
Holding grudges used to be your speciality, but now you understand the freedom that comes with forgiveness. This doesn’t mean you allow people to walk all over you, but you can let go of resentment for your own peace of mind. This ability to forgive shows significant emotional maturity.
12. You’re more present in your daily life.
Instead of constantly worrying about the future or ruminating on the past, you’re more engaged in the present moment. You’re able to appreciate the small joys in life and be more mindful in your day-to-day activities. This presence is a sign of emotional balance and growth.
13. You’re more accepting of your flaws and imperfections.
Perfect used to be the goal, but now you understand that perfection is unattainable and unnecessary. You’re able to acknowledge your flaws without letting them define you. This self-acceptance allows you to be more authentic and confident in who you are.
