Many people go into marriage with the assurance that their Intelligence Quotient (IQ) is sufficient to make it work.
Unfortunately, many marriages have failed because couples lack emotional intelligence due to the misunderstanding of each other’s emotional needs.
Emotional intelligence is a skill that needs to be developed in marriage.
This is because a high level of emotional intelligence helps in channelling your emotion in the right way that ensures happiness and contentment in your relationship between you and your spouse as well as extended family members.
What does Emotional Intelligence in marriage mean?
It is simply the ability to understand the emotions of your spouse; and also the capacity to make your spouse understand your emotions.
couples with the right Emotional Intelligence
Emotional Intelligence is shown through these five traits according to Steeve Bressert, PhD,
· Self-awareness: you must be aware of the state of your emotions per time. Self-awareness helps you to notice when you are overreacting or not responding properly and when you are fully alert.
You can also read this: 6 Things you must put in place before marriage
· Self-regulation: this is the ability to manage your emotions when under pressure. Your emotional intelligence is high when you can manage your emotions when circumstances place you under intense pressure.
· Motivation: emotional intelligence tells you to turn negative situations into positive ones. Sometimes marriages are faced with grave challenges. However, being motivated and not giving in to defeat can bring out the best solution in that situation.
· Empathy: this means understanding the emotion of others and sympathizing with them. You must be able to understand the emotion of your spouse especially when they are in a bad mood. Don’t desire attention when you know your spouse needs one urgently.
You can also read this: The Secret to a Happy, Thriving Marriage: Communication
. Social skills: a person who is intelligent emotionally will have good communication skills and will be able to interact well with others. In marriage, communication is very important not only between couples but among other family members too.
