Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage emotions, which is linked to increased chances of success in daily life. Here are 13 signs of highly emotional intelligence:

1) You think about your feelings

Emotional intelligence begins with self and social awareness, which is the ability to recognize emotions and their impacts in both yourself and others. This awareness begins with reflection. You may ask yourself questions like:

• What are my emotional strengths?
• What are my weaknesses?
• How does my current mood affect my thoughts and decision making?

2) You pause

Pausing is the simple act of taking a moment to stop and think before acting or responding. While this is difficult to practice at times, it can help save you from having regretful moments. Pausing helps you refrain from making a permanent decision based on a temporary emotion.

3) You strive to control your thoughts

While you don't always have control over the emotions you experience in a given moment, you can control your reaction to these emotions by focusing on your thoughts. 

4) You benefit from criticism

No one enjoys negative feedback, but criticism is a chance to learn. Even when unfounded, it gives you a window into how others think. When you receive this feedback, you check in and ask yourself: how can this make me better?

5) You show authenticity

Authenticity does not mean sharing everything about yourself, but meaning what you say and sticking to your values and principles. People appreciate authentic thoughts and feelings.

6) You demonstrate empathy

Empathy includes understanding others' thoughts and feelings, which helps you connect with others. Instead of judging or labeling others, you work hard to see things through their eyes. This helps you build deeper, more connected relationships.

7) You praise others

We all crave acknowledgement and appreciation. When you commend others, you satisfy that craving and build trust in the process. This starts by your ability to focus on the good in others.

8) You give helpful feedback

Negative feedback has great potential to hurt the feelings of others. By realizing this, you reframe criticism as constructive feedback, so the recipient sees it as helpful instead of harmful.

9) You apologize

It takes courage to be able to say that you are sorry. When you do, you demonstrate humility and others are naturally drawn to you. Emotional intelligence helps you realize that apologizing means valuing your relationships.

10) You forgive and forget

Hanging on to resentment does not allow you the chance to heal. When you forgive and forget, you prevent others from holding your emotions hostage, which allows you to move forward.

11) You keep your commitments

When you make a habit of keeping your word, regardless of the size of the commitment, you develop a strong reputation for reliability and trustworthiness.

12) You help others

One of the greatest ways to positively impact the emotions of others is to help them. Actions that help people build tryst and inspire others to follow your lead when it counts.

13) You protect yourself from emotional sabotage

You realize that some individuals do attempt to manipulate others' emotions to promote a personal agenda. This is why you continue to sharpen your own emotional intelligence and protect yourself.

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