In one study, emotional intelligence was a predictor of academic success above grit, a well-known predictor of achievement. The benefits don’t go away once we reach adulthood. Individuals who score higher on emotional intelligence tests tend to report better relationships with friends, parents, and romantic partners. Makes sense. They’re more likely to accurately interpret nonverbal cues, understand someone else’s feelings, and know which strategies could support another person to feel something more or less.
