When someone smiles at you, you assume they’re happy. When they frown, you think they’re upset. It’s a pretty simple interpretation of human emotions, right?
But what about those subtle cues that aren’t so easy to decipher? What about the tiny gestures, the barely there shifts in tone, the fleeting expressions that flit across the face?
People with high emotional intelligence are masters at picking up on these.
They navigate the world differently, picking up on nuances that most of us miss.
Welcome to the intriguing world of deep emotional intelligence.
Let’s dive in and uncover these habits.
1) They listen more than they speak
Ever been in a conversation where the other person just won’t stop talking, and you can’t get a word in edgewise?
Well, people with deep emotional intelligence operate quite differently. They understand that listening is a vital part of communication.
They’re not just waiting for their turn to speak but genuinely interested in what the other person has to say.
They listen to understand, not to respond. And it’s this habit that gives them an edge.
By actively listening, they pick up on the subtleties that others might miss – the slight tremor in the voice, the hesitation before answering, the unsaid words hanging in the silence.
It’s not just about what is being said but also what isn’t being said.
People with high emotional intelligence know this, and they use it to their advantage, making them truly masterful communicators.
2) They don’t shy away from negative emotions
I remember a time when one of my closest friends was going through a tough breakup. She was devastated and, like many of us would do, tried to mask her pain with a brave face.
But being someone with deep emotional intelligence, I knew better than to let her pretend everything was fine.
I didn’t just brush off her pain with a “You’ll be okay” or a “There are plenty of fish in the sea”.
Instead, I sat down with her, held her hand, and said, “It’s okay to feel this way. It’s okay to be sad.”
People with high emotional intelligence, like me, are not afraid of negative emotions.
They acknowledge them, they validate them, and they understand that it’s part of being human.
We know that it’s in these moments of vulnerability that true healing begins.
And we’re there to facilitate that process, not to rush it or avoid it.
3) They practice mindfulness
Mindfulness is all about being present and fully engaged with whatever we’re doing at the moment, free from distraction or judgment, and with a soft and open mind.
People who practice mindfulness have higher emotional intelligence.
They are better at observing, describing, and acting on their feelings.
People with deep emotional intelligence incorporate mindfulness into their daily routine.
It helps them to stay connected to their emotions, understand them better, and respond to them in a more balanced way.
Mindfulness also allows them to be more aware of the emotional cues of others, making their interactions more empathetic and understanding.
4) They respond, not react
Ever been in a heated argument and said something you later regretted?
We’ve all been there. But people with deep emotional intelligence handle such situations differently.
Rather than reacting impulsively and letting their emotions run the show, they take a moment to process what’s happening.
They don’t let their emotions control them. Instead, they control their emotions. They understand that while they can’t control the situation, they can control their response to it.
And that’s what they do. They respond thoughtfully and intentionally, rather than reacting on impulse.
This way, they avoid unnecessary conflicts and misunderstandings, maintaining harmony in their relationships.
5) I’m proactive about my mental health
As someone with deep emotional intelligence, I prioritize my mental health. I understand that in order to pick up on the emotions of others, my own emotional tank needs to be full.
I’ve learned that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. So, I make time for activities that help me recharge and rejuvenate.
It might be a walk in the park, a yoga session, or just curling up with a good book.
I also understand the importance of boundaries. I know that it’s okay to say ‘no’ when I need to, and to take a step back when things get overwhelming.
By taking care of my mental health, I’m better equipped to navigate the complex world of emotions around me.
6) They are comfortable with silence
In a world that’s constantly buzzing with noise and chatter, silence can be quite unsettling for many.
We often rush to fill any silence with words, fearing that it might be awkward or uncomfortable.
But people with deep emotional intelligence see things differently. They understand the value of silence.
They know that sometimes, silence can communicate much more than words can.
They’re not afraid of silence. Instead, they use it strategically during conversations.
It gives them time to process their thoughts, to tune into the unspoken emotions, and to respond in the most empathetic way possible.
In the quiet moments, they listen to their inner voice and connect with their deepest emotions. Silence, for them, is not a void to be filled but a space to be embraced.
7) They learn from their mistakes
No one is perfect – we all make mistakes. But what sets people with deep emotional intelligence apart is how they handle these mistakes.
They don’t shy away from their failures or sweep them under the rug. Instead, they view them as opportunities for learning and growth.
When they mess up, they own it. They reflect on what went wrong, how it affected them and others, and what they can do differently next time.
By learning from their mistakes, they continually improve their emotional intelligence, becoming more self-aware and empathetic in their interactions with others.
8) They value authentic connections
At the heart of emotional intelligence lies a deep appreciation for authentic connections.
People with high emotional intelligence aren’t interested in shallow, surface-level interactions.
They crave depth and authenticity. They seek out meaningful relationships where both parties can be their true selves.
They understand that such connections are built on mutual respect, understanding, and empathy. And they’re willing to put in the effort to nurture these relationships.
Because for them, it’s not just about understanding emotions—it’s about using that understanding to connect on a deeper level, to make others feel seen, heard, and valued.
Wrapping up
If you’ve made it this far, I hope you’ve recognized that people with deep emotional intelligence have a unique way of navigating through life.
They approach their interactions with others differently, not as transactions, but as opportunities for understanding, empathy, and connection.
They see emotions not as obstacles but as bridges to deeper relationships.
Emotional intelligence isn’t just about identifying and understanding emotions.
It’s about using that understanding to foster meaningful relationships and to navigate the world with empathy.
Emotional intelligence isn’t something we’re born with—it’s something we develop. And just like any other skill, it can be honed and improved over time.
As you go about your everyday life, consider the small things that can make a big difference. Listen more than you speak. Embrace silence. Learn from your mistakes.
Value authentic connections.
Because in the end, it’s not just about understanding emotions—it’s about using that understanding to live a richer, more connected life.
