Women with high emotional intelligence know better than most just how important the trait is in navigating relationships of all kinds.
Their ability to identify and regulate their own feelings, as well as recognise and respond to other people’s, comes in handy at work, in romance, and even with friends and family members. High EQ also comes with a whole host of unique experiences for the women who have it. Here are some things you’ll likely relate to if you’ve honed this vital quality.
1. You can disagree without becoming disagreeable.
Source: Unsplash Just because you don’t see eye-to-eye with someone on a particular topic doesn’t mean it’s going to turn into a major blow-up. You get that you can feel differently than someone else and still maintain respect — you simply agree to disagree.
2. You recognise the difference between reacting and responding.
When emotions are running high, you take the time to process yours before acting. You know that knee-jerk reactions often lead to regret, and would much rather be thoughtful with your responses (which ultimately leads to better outcomes anyway). You choose your words and behaviours carefully, and it often benefits you and the situation greatly.
3. You’re comfortable setting and maintaining boundaries.
Emotionally intelligent women understand the importance of personal boundaries for maintaining healthy relationships. As such, you can articulate your limits clearly and assertively, without feeling guilty. Not only does this help you avoid burnout, but you also maintain respect in personal and professional relationships.
4. You can read between the lines in conversations.
You’re great at picking up on non-verbal cues and underlying emotions in interactions, meaning you tend to understand what people really mean beneath the words they use. As a result, you can respond more empathetically and really get to the core of what’s bothering people so that you can address their concerns or feelings.
5. You take responsibility for your own emotions.
Rather than blaming other people for how you feel, you recognise that you’re the only one in control of your emotional responses. You understand that while you can’t always control external circumstances, you can manage your reactions and attitudes towards them.
6. You’re able to give constructive feedback without being hurtful.
When necessary, you’re great at providing honest, helpful feedback in a way that doesn’t damage relationships. You understand how to balance truth with tact, which ensures that your message is received without causing unnecessary hurt or defensiveness.
7. You’re genuinely happy for people’s successes.
Emotionally intelligent women don’t view other people’s achievements as a threat to their own worth. You can sincerely celebrate the successes of friends, colleagues, and even competitors, largely because you know that another person’s gain doesn’t diminish your own value or opportunities. There’s enough room for everyone to succeed!
8. You’re aware of how your actions impact other people.
You have a keen sense of how your behaviour affects the people around you, so you always consider the potential consequences of your words and actions in an effort to create positive impacts and minimise unintended harm. It’s such a simple gesture, but an incredibly meaningful one.
9. You can admit when you’re wrong without feeling diminished.
Emotionally intelligent women view mistakes as opportunities for growth rather than failures. You can acknowledge your screw-ups, apologise sincerely, and learn from the experience without it affecting your self-worth or confidence. You’re only human, after all!
10. You’re able to delay gratification for long-term benefits.
You understand the value of patience and can resist immediate rewards for greater future gains. Whether it’s in personal goals, career aspirations, or relationships, you can see the bigger picture and make choices that align with your long-term objectives. That’s admirable!
11. You can navigate office politics without compromising your integrity.
Emotionally intelligent women are good at understanding workplace dynamics without getting caught up in negative behaviours. You can build alliances, manage conflicts, and advance your career while maintaining your values and professional ethics — the two aren’t mutually exclusive.
12. You’re comfortable with emotional intimacy in relationships.
You’re definitely not afraid of deep, meaningful connections. You’re willing to be vulnerable and open in your close relationships because you know that that true intimacy requires emotional honesty and the willingness to share both joys and struggles.
13. You can differentiate between criticism and constructive feedback.
You don’t take all (or any!) negative feedback personally. You can discern between unhelpful criticism and valuable constructive feedback, using the latter to improve yourself while not letting the former affect your self-esteem. We all have room to grow, don’t we?
14. You know how to adapt your communication style to different people.
You know that effective communication isn’t one-size-fits-all, and you can adjust your approach based on the person you’re interacting with, whether it’s a colleague, a friend, or a child. You always make sure your message is both understood and well-received.
15. You can recognise and manage your own stress triggers.
Emotionally intelligent women are aware of what causes them stress and have strategies to manage these triggers. This means you proactively take steps to maintain your emotional balance, whether through self-care practices, time management, or asking for support when you need it.
16. You’re able to find common ground in conflicts.
When you’re in the midst of a major disagreement, you have a talent for identifying shared interests or goals. This ability helps you navigate conflicts more effectively, finding solutions that address everyone’s concerns and maintain positive relationships.
17. You understand the power of active listening.
Emotionally intelligent women know that truly hearing people involves more than just waiting for their turn to speak. You always practise active listening, give your full attention, ask questions, and show genuine interest in understanding other people’s perspectives, and this pays dividends.
