Emotional intelligence is defined as the ability to understand your own emotions, manage them, and to recognize emotions in others. Beyond that, it includes responding to the emotions of others with empathy, care and compassion. This is a form of intelligence that is immensely helpful in relationships, but also in your day to day interactions. I've come up with 3 ways to be mindful with your emotional intelligence efforts: CAT
Curiosity
Be supportive by being curious. Wanting to know more shows that you care. You don't have to offer any solutions. Instead, ask questions to better understand. The other person will feel cared about and less alone.
Acknowledgement
Be supportive by acknowledging what you recognize they are feeling. This is a key way to share the reality and validate what they are experiencing. Sometimes it is as simple as reflecting back to them what you notice. "That sounds so ____." Tip: say their name to be extra acknowledging. These simple things can go a long way in the emotional support department.
Time
Making time for someone shows that they matter to you and that you care about them. Sometimes just allowing them to talk is all they need. Other times, simply offering the time and space for connection is appreciated.
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