Ava Sinclair
If you’re someone who can keep your cool even when situations around you heat up, you might have more control over your emotions than the average person.
Being able to regulate your feelings is not just a sign of emotional maturity—it also indicates a certain level of psychological strength.
Why?
Because having control over your emotions isn’t something that everyone can master right off the bat. It takes practice and understanding.
In this article, we’re going to discuss the signs that you have more control over your emotions than the average person, according to psychology.
As we dive deeper into this topic, we’ll explore how this emotional control manifests and why it’s a valuable trait to have.
1) You don’t react impulsively
If you find yourself able to pause and think before you react to a situation, you have more control over your emotions than the average person.
In situations where others might act impulsively or allow their feelings to dictate their actions, you take a moment to process what’s happening instead.
This doesn’t mean you never experience strong emotions or react passionately. It means that even in the face of intense feelings, you’re able to assess the situation and decide on a measured response.
This ability to pause and reflect is a significant aspect of emotional control.
For instance, if someone says something that rubs you the wrong way, you don’t instantly fire back with a harsh retort. Instead, you take a breath, consider your words carefully, and then respond.
By doing this, you show that you are not ruled by your emotions but rather have the ability to manage them effectively.
2) You’re comfortable with discomfort
Ironically, one of the signs of having control over your emotions is being okay with not feeling okay.
Emotional control doesn’t mean always being calm or happy; it means being able to sit with uncomfortable emotions without trying to immediately change or suppress them.
If you can experience feelings like sadness, anger, or anxiety without trying to push them away or mask them, you display a high degree of emotional control.
This is because you’re able to acknowledge these feelings, understand they’re part of the human experience, and let them exist without letting them overwhelm you.
When faced with a setback at work, instead of spiraling into stress or panic, you might allow yourself to feel disappointed or frustrated.
You don’t try to force these feelings away or put on a brave face immediately. Instead, you accept these feelings as natural reactions and give yourself space and time to process.
3) You don’t let past experiences dictate your present
The human brain is wired to remember emotionally charged events, especially those that caused pain or trauma. This is a survival mechanism designed to help us avoid similar situations in the future.
Yet, carrying these past experiences into every new situation can limit our growth and happiness.
Let’s say you’ve been betrayed in a previous relationship. It’s natural to be cautious in future relationships as a result.
However, if you’re able to approach new relationships with an open mind, recognizing that every person and situation is different, you’re demonstrating emotional control.
Being able to separate past experiences from present circumstances allows you to experience life more fully. It enables you to make decisions based on the present situation rather than being swayed by past emotions.
This shows a high level of emotional control and the ability to adapt and grow from past experiences.
4) You’re understanding of others’ emotions
Emotional control isn’t just being able to manage your own feelings. It’s also being able to understand and respect the emotions of others.
If you find yourself able to empathize with others, even if their feelings or reactions are different from yours, it shows a high level of emotional control.
When someone shares their feelings with you, instead of dismissing or trying to fix them, you validate their emotions. You understand that their feelings are real and important, even if you don’t fully comprehend them.
You’re not only in control of your own emotions but also sensitive to the emotions of those around you.
5) You don’t fear your emotions
Let’s face it, emotions can be scary.
They can be intense, unpredictable, and sometimes even feel out of control. But if you’re someone who doesn’t shy away from these feelings, it’s a sign that you have more control over your emotions than the average person.
You understand that emotions, no matter how daunting they may seem, are a part of being human. So, instead of running away from them or trying to suppress them, you embrace them.
For instance, when you’re feeling anxious about a big presentation at work, you don’t try to push those feelings down or pretend they aren’t there.
Instead, you acknowledge the anxiety, understanding it’s a natural response to the situation. You allow yourself to feel nervous without letting it paralyze you.
6) You can express your emotions clearly
Being able to articulate your feelings effectively is another sign of emotional control. Instead of letting emotions build up until they explode out in an uncontrolled way, you’re able to express them clearly and consistently.
Let’s consider a situation at work where a colleague consistently misses deadlines, causing you extra stress.
Instead of bottling up your frustration until you snap, you decide to have a calm discussion with them. You explain that when they miss deadlines, it impacts your workload and causes you stress.
By expressing your feelings in this way, you’re not only addressing the issue but also managing your emotions around it. It demonstrates that you understand your emotions well enough to communicate them effectively.
7) You take responsibility for your emotions
It’s easy to blame others or external circumstances for how we feel, but the truth is, our emotions are our own.
You understand that while you can’t control what happens to you, you can control how you react to it. You don’t allow yourself to play the victim or blame others for your emotional state.
Let’s say a friend bails on you at the last minute. Instead of letting disappointment turn into resentment, you acknowledge your disappointment but also understand that things happen and plans can change.
So you choose not to let this one event negatively affect your mood for the rest of the day.
Taking responsibility for your emotions is a sign of maturity and emotional control. It shows that you don’t let external factors dictate how you feel but instead choose to manage your emotional responses in a healthy and constructive way.
8) You practice self-care
When it comes to emotional regulation, one of the most essential practices is self-care.
Recognizing when you need to step back, rest, or engage in activities that replenish your energy is a crucial aspect of emotional control.
You understand that managing your emotions doesn’t mean constantly being in control. It also means knowing when to let go, relax, and take care of your well-being.
In the end, emotional control is less about controlling every single emotion and more about understanding them.
Conclusion
Mastering emotional control is no small feat—it’s a journey of self-discovery, growth, and understanding.
And this journey is deeply personal and unique to each of us.
This article has highlighted signs that you may have more control over your emotions than the average person, but remember, everyone’s emotions are different.
The true measure of emotional control is not about ticking off all these signs, but about how well you understand and manage your own emotions.
Time spent knowing and understanding your emotions is time invested in a happier, healthier life.
Having emotional control means having the wisdom to not let your emotions control you and finding a balance that allows you to live fully, authentically, and peacefully.
