How to Spot an Empath: 5 Traits of Highly Emotional Intelligent People

Andrew H Housley
4 min readJun 24, 2024

Have you ever wondered why some people thrive in the face of adversity, forge strong relationships effortlessly, and lead with inspiring influence? It’s not just intelligence or luck — it’s emotional intelligence (EQ). In a world where technology has transformed how we interact, and globalization has brought diverse cultures closer, EQ stands out as the key to navigating the complex tapestry of human emotions and connections. The silent force powers successful leaders builds resilient communities and shapes our daily interactions. So, how do you measure up in the realm of EQ, and why might it be your most valuable asset today?

Photo by Arun Prakash on Unsplash

What is EQ?

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s own emotions and to recognize, understand, and influence the emotions of others. Several well-researched tests for EQ exist, such as the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT) and the Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i).

It’s important to keep in mind that some of these behaviors vary from culture to culture. So for the sake of this article, we’ll examine the traits of people with high and low EQ from a soaring bird’ s-eye view.

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Andrew H Housley

Author of Gold Book Award Winner 'Invisible Sun' & 'Waiting Impatiently' | Zen Bodhisattva | Writing about spirituality, mental health & well-being.