Signs of Low Emotional Intelligence

Low emotional intelligence, or EI, refers to the inability to accurately perceive emotions (both in oneself and others) and to use that information to guide one's thinking and actions.

If someone you know always seems to be struggling to control their emotions or understand others' feelings, they may have low EI. This can negatively impact interpersonal relationships, mental health, and physical health.

Here are nine classic signs of low emotional intelligence:

1. They Always Have to Be Right: These individuals argue to the death, refusing to listen to others, even when presented with facts. They find it difficult to agree to disagree and get defensive when criticized.

2. Oblivious to Others' Feelings: They may be genuinely surprised when someone is angry with them or dislikes them. They get annoyed when others expect them to know how they are feeling.

3. Insensitive Behavior: They often say insensitive things at inappropriate times, get annoyed when others react, and fail to read emotional tone and atmosphere.

4. Blaming Others for Problems: They lack insight into how their emotions might lead to problems and avoid accountability. They blame others or suggest others don't understand their situation.

5. Poor Coping Skills: They struggle with emotionally-charged situations, often walking away or hiding their true emotions.

6. Emotional Outbursts: They struggle to control their emotions, leading to unexpected and overblown emotional outbursts that can last for a long time.

7. Struggling With Relationships: Close friendships require mutual give-and-take and emotional support, which low-EI individuals often lack, leading to few close friends.

8. Turning Conversations to Themselves: Emotionally unintelligent people tend to dominate conversations, shifting everything back to them. They often try to prove they have experienced things better or worse than others.

9. Lack of Empathy: They struggle to understand and share the feelings of others, making it difficult to build and maintain relationships.

Low EI can cause problems in many areas of life, but it can be improved through self-awareness, practice, and learning emotional regulation strategies.