Have you ever been in a conversation where you’ve bit your tongue to avoid saying the wrong thing?

Have you ever been really angry, yet you’ve controlled your thoughts and not reacted to the emotions? Do you benefit from criticism? Do you show empathy toward others? If so, these are all signs that you have a strong emotional intelligence.

Emotional intelligence?

What’s that?

According to Psychology Today, emotional intelligence is the ability to identify and manage one’s own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. It’s being aware of the different emotions you and others have. And it’s being able to use that information to guide your thinking and behavior.

Why does it matter?

A high emotional intelligence makes it easier to interact with the people around you. You can better understand, appreciate and even negotiate with others. It gives you the ability to perceive their emotions and realize where they’re coming from. In addition, the ability to be aware of our own emotions enables us to control them instead of letting the emotions control us.

Can you raise your emotional intelligence?

Another way to boost your emotional intelligence is through empathy and improved social skills. Recognizing how others are feeling helps you communicate effectively with the people in your life.

Positive thinking and self-talk are other great ways to gain emotional intelligence. Constantly work to train yourself to think more positively about any situation.

What about hearing aids and emotional intelligence?

It’s common knowledge that hearing loss can leave people feeling disconnected and isolated from friends and family. So, on the contrary, hearing aids can keep people connected, engaged and happy with those around them. In fact, hearing aids improve most aspects of emotional life, and users tend to have less negativity and better social and personal relationships—all things important to a high emotional intelligence.

Emotional intelligence can be a powerful force in your life. It can help you improve happiness, influence success, relieve stress, communicated effectively and deal with whatever life sends your way.