Perhaps they are constantly doing or saying the wrong things, at the wrong time.
Or maybe they’re always judging others, but have a hard time accepting criticism.
If this describes someone you know, chances are high that this person struggles with lowemotional intelligence.
Verywell / JR Bee
When someone has a low EQ, it can present itself in many ways.
Below are nine classic signs of people with low emotional intelligence.
Friends, family, co-workers, and even random strangers find themselves embroiled in disputes with these argumentative individuals.
Even if you provide them with proof that they are wrong, they will argue thatyourfacts are wrong.
They must win at all costs and find it impossible to simply “agree to disagree.”
This is particularly true if others criticize the individual for not understanding what others are feeling.
Not only that, but they get annoyed when others expect them toknow how they are feeling.
This can make social interactions confusing and frustrating.
They may also fail to comprehend appropriate versus inappropriate timing of saying things.
If you react to their out-of-line response, they then act as ifyou’rebeing overly sensitive.
It’s important to remember that not everyone who seems insensitive in social situations has low EQ.
The one thing a person with low emotional intelligence won’t do is hold themselves accountable for their actions.
When something goes wrong, their first reaction is to find someone or something else to blame.
For example, if they read through your texts, it’s your fault for leaving your phone unlocked.
They Have Poor Coping Skills
An inability tocope with emotionally-charged situationscan be an indicator of low EQ.
Hiding their true emotions is also very common.
They Have Emotional Outbursts
The ability to regulate emotions is one of thecomponents of emotional intelligence.
People with low EQ often struggle to understand and control their emotions.
They might lash out reactively without understanding what they are really feeling or why they are so upset.
A person who lacks EQ might also have unexpected emotional outbursts that seem overblown and uncontrollable.
The smallest things set them off into a tirade that can last for minutes, even hours.
They Struggle With Relationships
People with low EQ often have very few close friends.
Instead, people with low EQ often come off as abrasive and unfeeling.
This can have a reverberating effect on other areas of their lives.
Because they struggle to maintain quality relationships, they are more likely to experience social isolation.
Their weaksocial supportnetworks mean they lack the support they need when facing stressful situations.
Ultimately, this can have a devastating impact on a person’s psychological and physical well-being.
They Turn Conversations Toward Themselves
Emotionally unintelligent people tend to dominate the conversation.
Usually, they have to prove that whatever you’re experiencing, they’ve had it better or worse.
No matter what you say, they’ve been there and done that.
You’ve been in a car accident?
They have too…and their dog died.
Going to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
They climbed Mount Everest four years ago.
They can send you a list of tips if you want!
They are constantly trying to one-up you.
It can be a frustrating and emotionally invalidating experience.
Fortunately, there are things you’re free to do to increase your emotional intelligence.
Sharpening your skills can improve your personal and professional relationships.
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