We all crave emotional intelligence in our romantic relationships. But do we have it?
Often it’s hard to tell.
Your partner may not be the most expressive individual or the best at articulating their feelings, but that doesn’t mean they lack emotional intelligence.
Sometimes it can feel like you’re navigating an emotional maze, unsure if your partner truly understands your feelings, or even their own.
If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone.
It’s a common misconception that if someone isn’t openly emotional, they’re emotionally unintelligent.
But that’s not always the case.
Your partner could be far more emotionally intelligent than they appear on the surface, and the signs are not always glaringly obvious.
Today, we delve into eight signs that your partner is emotionally intelligent, even if they don’t seem like it.
1. They are excellent listeners
How many times have you found yourself talking about your day, your feelings, or your thoughts, only to realize that your partner is genuinely interested in what you’re saying?
Not just nodding along or throwing an occasional “uh-huh”, but truly engaged in the conversation.
They ask relevant questions, they remember details from previous conversations, and they make you feel heard.
I recall a time when I was venting about a difficult day at work.
My partner not only remembered the names of my colleagues but also the intricate details of the project I was working on.
It was a clear sign of his emotional intelligence and his genuine interest in my life.
2. They handle conflict maturely
We’ve all been in heated disagreements with our partners.
It’s a part of any relationship.
But it’s how your partner handles these conflicts that can be a sign of their emotional intelligence.
Recently, I had a major disagreement with my partner about our holiday plans.
Instead of escalating the argument or dismissing my feelings, he took a step back.
He acknowledged that we were both upset and suggested we take some time to calm down before discussing it further.
In doing so, he displayed a level of emotional intelligence that’s often overlooked: the ability to manage and respond to emotions effectively.
This doesn’t mean suppressing emotions, but rather acknowledging them and dealing with them in a mature way.
3. They show empathy
Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, is a key indicator of emotional intelligence.
A person with this trait is not only more attuned to others’ emotions but also excels at maintaining relationships.
If your partner can put themselves in your shoes and grasp your perspective, it indicates a high degree of emotional intelligence.
They don’t merely sympathize; they genuinely resonate with your feelings.
Whether you’re thrilled about a new achievement or distressed over a personal setback, they are with you, celebrating your happiness or comforting you in your sorrow.
4. They respect boundaries
Setting and respecting boundaries is a part of healthy relationships.
It’s an act of understanding and accepting that everyone has their own personal space, physically and emotionally.
If your partner understands when you need time alone or when you’re not comfortable discussing certain topics, it’s a clear indication of their emotional intelligence.
They don’t push you into uncomfortable situations or insist on invading your personal space.
Instead, they give you the freedom to be yourself, to have your own thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
This respect for boundaries in a relationship is not about creating walls or distance.
It’s about creating a safe space where both partners can flourish, and that’s truly beautiful.
5. They handle criticism well
This one is a toughie.
Nobody likes to be criticized, myself included.
But how we react to criticism speaks volumes about our emotional intelligence.
I remember a time when I had to bring up a sensitive topic with my partner.
I was nervous, afraid of hurting his feelings or starting an argument.
But to my surprise, he took it incredibly well.
Rather than getting defensive or dismissive, he thanked me for bringing it to his attention and promised to work on it.
His ability to take criticism, reflect upon it, and use it as a tool for self-improvement showed me just how emotionally intelligent he truly is.
It’s not easy to look at our flaws and shortcomings, but it’s crucial for personal growth and maintaining a healthy relationship.
6. They express their emotions openly
Emotional intelligence isn’t about suppressing emotions.
On the contrary, it’s about recognizing them and expressing them freely.
If your partner can openly express what they’re feeling, whether it’s happiness, frustration, love, or anger, it shows they’re in tune with their emotions.
I’ve noticed this in my own relationship.
My partner is never afraid to tell me when he’s feeling down or when something has upset him.
He’s equally comfortable expressing joy and love.
This open communication of emotions creates a safe space where we can both be our true selves.
7. They’re self-aware
Self-awareness is a vital part of emotional intelligence.
It’s the ability to recognize and understand your own emotions and how they impact your thoughts and behavior.
My partner often surprises me with his level of self-awareness.
He knows what triggers his stress or anxiety, he understands his strengths and weaknesses, and he always strives to be a better person.
This self-awareness not only helps him navigate his own emotional landscape but also enhances our relationship.
8. They’re forgiving
Holding onto grudges can be emotionally draining.
An emotionally intelligent person understands this and knows how to forgive, not necessarily forget.
In our relationship, we’ve had our share of disagreements and hurt feelings.
But my partner has always shown the ability to forgive.
He doesn’t hold grudges or bring up past mistakes just to score points in an argument.
Instead, he focuses on resolving the issue at hand and moving forward.
9. They appreciate you
Lastly, but certainly not least, an emotionally intelligent partner knows how to appreciate you genuinely.
Whether it’s for cooking a great meal, supporting them through a tough time, or just being there for them, they don’t shy away from expressing their appreciation.
They understand the importance of making their partner feel valued and loved.
My partner often surprises me with small tokens of appreciation.
It could be as simple as a heartfelt ‘thank you’ or a surprise dinner after a long day.
These gestures, though small, show how much he values and respects me.
It’s a clear sign of his emotional intelligence.
