There are some tests that can help you check your emotional intelligence. However, to understand what it really means, there are some basic qualities and signs that psychologists and experts suggest you must possess to determine if you possess this quality at a high level.

We have put together some signs of emotional intelligence, so you can check them out for yourself and continue to grow not only intellectually, but emotionally.

You can show empathy toward others.

The more connected you are to your own emotions, the better you can relate to others. Emotionally intelligent people can guess how different and difficult situations can be. They can be supportive accordingly, instead of ignoring the feelings of others.

As another sign of emotional intelligence, you are concerned with how your actions affect other people and go to great lengths to avoid causing harm.

You watch your language.

That doesn’t mean they don’t use profanities or curses. Emotionally intelligent people learn to be very careful and intelligent in their word choices and reactions.

Experts say that this type of person never says, “I know how you feel.” They know that they can never really understand how another person feels 100%. Instead, they continue to improve their vocabulary and communication style to ensure their message is received as intended.

You’re open to change.

Not being afraid of change is also a sign of emotional intelligence. These people have a fixed sense of self that remains constant in different circumstances. Challenges are perceived as an essential part of life and as opportunities for growth.

Of course, it’s normal for humans to instinctively resist change because our brains tend to stick to routine, but emotionally intelligent people can overcome these instincts.

You can pause

Hindsight is one of the best practices in the lives of emotionally intelligent people. Instead of panicking, worrying if they’re enough for a new job, or getting confused, they stop.

Taking the time to calm down and better analyze the situation is a wise choice that can allow you to avoid conflict. After time has passed, it is easier to articulate clear decisions and opinions.

You tend to do better at work

It turns out that emotionally intelligent people are more successful at work. This quality is crucial for employees and managers and brings things like “human engineering” when you can successfully communicate, negotiate and lead.

People simply prefer to do business with someone they like and trust. Emotional intelligence helps build trusting relationships.

You have an urge for progress but not for perfection.

No one is perfect, and people with high emotional intelligence really understand this notion. You simply accept yourself for who you are and your nature. Of course, that doesn’t mean you don’t take care of yourself or that you don’t grow, it’s the exact opposite.

You like progress, but there is a clear understanding that striving to be perfect all the time is not healthy. Instead of torturing yourself, you choose constant growth.

You express yourself assertively.

Being assertive and being aggressive are two different things. If you need to defend yourself, do so respectfully, without showing anger or disgust. A sign of emotional maturity is being able to control your negative emotions.

However, that doesn’t mean you should hide your emotions. Instead, you show it to them, but in a proper and polite way, so that the people around you can hear you better.

How often can you show your emotions assertively? How to control anger?