8 signs of high emotional intelligence in a woman, according to psychology

If you are a regular reader here at Hack Spirit, you will know that we write a lot about emotional intelligence. 

And itโ€™s so important. 

As noted by Help Guide, emotional intelligence can help us manage our emotions, which is beneficial for both mental and physical health. 

Whatโ€™s more, it even seems to lead to financial success. A study by TalentSmart found that those with a high EQ make $29,000 more every year than those with a low EQ. 

Yes, almost 30 grand a year! 

Anyway, I’ve written about EQ a lot, but this time, I was lucky to have some expert help on my side: a friend who is a psychiatric nurse. If you can think of a job that requires more emotional intelligence, please let me know!

I was visiting her and her husband when I began writing this post. Being fortunate to have her in my company, I asked her, โ€œWhat are the signs of an emotionally intelligent woman?โ€

Today, I share them with you. 

1) They are great listeners 

โ€œListeningโ€. That was the first thing my friend said. She then proceeded to tell me a story. 

Early in her career as a psychiatric nurse, she helped a teenage boy struggling with extreme social anxiety by spending countless hours simply listening to him, allowing him to open up and express his fears and insecurities without judgment. 

Through her patient and attentive listening, she created a safe space where he could gradually overcome his anxieties and make remarkable progress. 

Her story illustrates a fundamental aspect of emotional intelligence: the ability to truly listen.  

This is echoed by other industry experts like author Justin Bariso, who put it simply in his INC post: โ€œEmotionally Intelligent People Know How to Listenโ€. 

They don’t merely hear the words; they actively seek to comprehend the underlying emotions, motivations, and context behind the message.

They offer their undivided attention, maintaining eye contact and responding with encouraging cues that demonstrate their investment in the conversation. 

They resist the urge to formulate rebuttals or interject with their own experiences, instead allowing the speaker to fully express themselves without interruption.

This level of listening fosters deeper connections builds trust, and facilitates mutual understanding โ€“ essential components of healthy relationships, effective communication, and conflict resolution. 

2) They remain composed in the face of stress

2020 research showed that people were far more stressed in the 2010s than they were in the 1990s. Why?

Well, experts put this down to tech changes, family and relationship dynamics, and, as you might have guessed, economic hardship. 

Yet, some people seem unshakable, no matter what life throws at them. While everyone else is getting worked up, they’re like a rock, steady and calm. 

This is whatโ€™s needed in a profession like psychiatric nursing, and itโ€™s a cornerstone of emotional intelligence. 

Itโ€™s not that high EQ women donโ€™t feel emotion, of course. Itโ€™s all about how they choose to process it. As Kendra Cherry, a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, put it, “Emotionally intelligent people don’t just react; they pause and choose how to respond.” 

That moment of pause is like their superpower.

3) They can put themselves in others’ shoes

This is a huge one. 

Sometimes, we meet someone who just gets us. Seemingly, without even trying, they understand how we’re feeling, almost like they’re walking in our shoes.

You know what I mean?

This amazing ability isn’t magic; it’s called empathy. And women with high emotional intelligence have it in spades. 

They don’t just hear what you’re saying; they really feel it. They truly see things from your point of view. 

Harvey Deutschendorf, an emotional intelligence researcher, captured its essence perfectly in a CNBC post when he wrote: 

“The most emotionally intelligent people know what they’re feeling and can understand what others feel, too.”

This helps them smooth out rough spots before they turn into big problems, and it makes people feel close and understood. 

The best part? 

Empathy isn’t just something we’re born with. Anyone can learn to be more empathetic, and it can make a big difference in how you connect with others.

4) They parrot

My friend, the psychiatric nurse, pointed out this one out to me, and to be honest, despite regularly writing on EQ and related topics, I was not familiar with the term. 

It might sound funny at first, but it’s a serious skill that’s all about active listening.

So, what exactly is parroting? 

Well, basically, it’s when we repeat what someone just said, almost like a parrot. It’s a way to show we’re really listening and to make sure we’ve understood them right. As noted by Very Well Mind, therapists often use this technique.

By repeating their words, you’re saying, “I hear you, and I want to make sure I get what you’re saying.”

Do you know who else uses it?

Women with high EQ. 

They are great at this. They use parroting to dig deeper into conversations and to make the person talking feel seen and heard. 

It’s not just about the words; it’s about connecting on a deeper level.

Watch out for it. Now that you are aware, you will catch it much easier, and when you do, itโ€™s likely you are in the company of someone with an above-average EQ. 

5) They journal

Now, I know this one sounds odd but stick with me. 

Journaling, or writing down your thoughts and feelings, plays a big role in how many women (and men) boost their emotional intelligence. It’s all about taking the time to reflect.

As clinical psychologist Melanie McNally noted in a Pyschology Today post,โ€œJournaling is a fantastic way to get to know yourself better. It helps you think about your feelings and thoughts, and it’s key for the self-awareness part of EQ.”

There’s also a bunch of research backing up its benefits. 

Writing in a journal isn’t just good for your mind; it can actually help your body fight off illness better, make you feel less upset, and cut down on worry, sadness, and stress.

When women sit down to journal, they’re not just keeping a diary for the sake of memories. They’re working on understanding themselves better, which is a big step toward having high EQ. 

6) They respect personal boundaries

Recognizing where someone else’s comfort zone begins and ends is crucial for healthy interactions.

Women with high EQ get this. They pay attention to what makes others tick and make sure not to cross lines that could make someone uncomfortable

This isn’t just about physical space; it’s about emotional and mental boundaries, too.

Respecting boundaries means listening when someone says “no” or seems uneasy. They don’t push people to share more than they’re ready to, and they understand that everyone sometimes needs their own space and time.

This sensitivity to boundaries helps build trust and safety in relationships, making it easier for everyone to be open and honest. 

It’s about giving people the respect and freedom they need, which is a big part of what emotional intelligence is all about.

7) They are open-minded

Do you know a woman who is always eager to explore all sides of the argument without bias? Does she actively seek out differing opinions to challenge her own beliefs? Is she known for creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels their voice is heard?

Being open-minded is a key trait in women with high emotional intelligence. 

These women are always ready to hear different viewpoints and consider new ideas, even if they don’t initially agree with them. 

This trait helps in avoiding misunderstandings and conflicts. When we’re open to discussing various ideas and beliefs, it’s easier to find common ground with others. 

It’s about embracing the idea that we can all learn something from one another. 

8) They welcome feedback

You might have guessed this one was coming. 

Women with high emotional intelligence don’t run from feedback; they see it as a chance to get better and grow. They know that tips and advice from others can help them learn and change for the better.

So, they listen with an open mind, ready to take in what’s said and use it to improve. 

The bottom line 

That just about wraps it up from me, folks. 

Emotional intelligence is a crucial skill in todayโ€™s world, perhaps now more than ever. Those who have it make the lives of others better and often receive very real tangible benefits themselves.

If you see the above traits in a woman, lucky you, you are probably in the company of someone with very high EQ. 

If you are interested in becoming more emotionally intelligent yourself, make sure to check out this post

Until next time. 

Mal James

Originally from Ireland, Mal is a content writer, entrepreneur, and teacher with a passion for self-development, productivity, relationships, and business.

As an avid reader, Mal delves into a diverse range of genres, expanding his knowledge and honing his writing skills to empower readers to embark on their own transformative journeys.

In his downtime, Mal can be found on the golf course or exploring the beautiful landscapes and diverse culture of Vietnam, where he is now based.

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