There are many types of intelligence, but one of the most popular in recent times is the one that has been named “Emotional Intelligence.” This kind of intelligence consists of knowing how to deal with the emotions we feel in our day-to-day lives and learning to manage moments of frustration, sadness, euphoria, etc.
In this article, we will discover what emotional intelligence is so that you learn what this type of intelligence consists of, as well as that you can know its most outstanding characteristics and the keys to cultivating it in your day to day.
Definition of Emotional Intelligence:
Although its own name already gives us many clues, it is important to know the definition given to the concept of emotional intelligence. With this term, we are referring to the capacities that we human beings have to be able to mentally control our emotions and others.
It therefore consists of the ability to know how to deal with problems or emotional situations rationally and calmly. A person is considered to be smart emotionally when able to manage their feelings, or those of other people, resulting in a positive impact.
Don’t get carried away by impulses and take actions based on logic and reasoning is something very typical of this kind of intelligence. This is basic for emotional intelligence in children.
Characteristics of Emotional Intelligence:
Now that you know what emotional intelligence is, we’re going to discover some of the features that will let you know if you’re a person with this kind of intelligence. These are:
- Knowledge of emotions. An emotionally intelligent person is a person who knows how he feels and detects his emotions quickly and effectively. He knows when he’s sad, nervous, disappointed, anxious, etc.
- Control of your own emotions. Another characteristic of emotional intelligence is that it allows maximum control of emotions. This prevents us from getting carried away by the impulses and making decisions that have always passed the reasoning filter.
- Ethic skills. But this type of intelligence does not affect only on a personal level, but the people who have it can empathize with the emotions of others and help them at the most complicated times.
It consists of knowing how to face the emotions we feel in our day-to-day life and learn to manage moments of frustration, sadness, euphoria.
Keys to Developing Emotional Intelligence:
Can you improve emotional intelligence? As we have already said, it is a kind of mental self-control that helps you contain emotions and not to get carried away by feelings or impulses. We pass a filter of reasoning to what is happening to us so that we can better understand what is happening and make the right decisions.
You can learn to improve emotional intelligence and, for this, nothing better than taking into account tips like these:
- Reflects. You mustn’t get carried away by your impulse and stop for a moment to analyze what’s going on. Reflecting on what it feels like and understanding the reasons why we are like this is the first step towards improving this kind of intelligence.
- Accept your feelings. Sometimes we feel negative emotions, such as fear, anger, insecurity… It’s no use to ignore them, the smart thing is to accept them and stand up to them. And, above all, analyze why you’re feeling that way.
- Engage with the others. Another important point is that you avoid being on the defensive with others and trying to have emotional intelligence in your relationships. With your partner you don’t get angry at the first change, try to understand their feelings and the origin of them. So, you’ll work a healthier, stronger relationship.