Everyone wants to know the secret ingredient to a healthy and long-lasting relationship. Most people will tell you communication or honesty are crucial factors, and they are. But, even though they’re essential components of a relationship, there’s one factor we tend to overlook. This is where emotional intelligence comes into play. Now, before you start looking up emotionally intelligent people dating sites, take it easy.
Let’s start with the basics. Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize and express one’s emotions, understanding how it affects you and others. It helps us express our feelings healthily, allows couples to move past difficult situations. If your past relationships have had their fair share of explosive arguments, perhaps this is an area you need to focus on. But before anything, you need to understand why emotional intelligence is crucial in relationships.
You’ll be able to understand your partner
It’s common you’ll see two people together just for the sake of it. But, they don’t really know each other on a deeper level. Then what’s the point of being in a relationship? Emotional intelligence allows you to connect with your partner on a higher level, understanding their perspective and emotional needs, and vice versa. If you understand your partner, then you reduce the chances of getting into an argument.
You can have a constructive conversation
There are times where conversations turn into arguments, but it doesn’t have to be like that. A lack of emotional intelligence is usually what causes an escalation during a conversation. But, if you’re emotionally intelligent, constructive criticism will not be offensive to you. Instead of feeling attacked and becoming defensive, you’ll take the criticism and use it as a learning tool for self-improvement.
You’ll make up faster after a disagreement
Listen, just because you’re emotionally intelligent doesn’t mean you’ll never fight with your partner. There will still be things they do or say that will anger you; we’re only humans. But, by developing emotional intelligence, you’ll be able to recover from an argument quickly. An emotionally intelligent partner will understand their behavior, swallow their pride, and quickly apologize.
You can be completely honest
It’s never easy to be vulnerable with other people, but if you want to have a real connection with your partner, you’ll need to let your walls down. If you’re scared about opening up to your partner, then you need to look at the reasons why. The only way to develop an authentic and whole relationship is through honesty. By recognizing your emotions and expressing them, it’s one step forward.
You’ll become a better listener
When you think about the people who are known as being good listeners, they’re the ones you go to when you need to talk openly and honestly. In a relationship, you and your partner need to be good listeners. It’s the only way to build a connection and understand one another. Through emotional intelligence, by understanding your emotions and the emotional needs of your partner, you’ll become an active listener. A Wake Forest University found that people whose partners were active listeners had less stress and improved emotional states.
You’ll overcome obstacles in the relationship
In every relationship, there are going to be obstacles. In the beginning, these obstacles are going to look almost impossible to overcome. However, with emotional intelligence, rather than running away, when it’s time to push forward, you’ll do it. Not only will emotional intelligence strengthen trust between you and your partner, but it’ll also reaffirm your relationship is worth fighting for.
Emotional intelligence helps to break down walls, bringing you and your partner closer together. Of course, you two will still have disagreements, but they’ll be more constructive, rather than explosive. And who doesn’t want that?
