When a guy raises his voice, chances are, he’s upset. When he gets quiet, well, he might be upset, too.
Yup, understanding human emotions is no walk in the park.
Especially when it comes to men, who are so often schooled to keep their feelings under lock and key. But some guys? They’re just naturally good at it.
They’ve got what you might call emotional intelligence – the ability to understand and manage not only their own emotions, but also those of others.
If a man exhibits these eight behaviors, there’s a good chance he’s more emotionally intelligent than most.
And in this digital age where texts and emails can so easily miscommunicate tone and intention, that’s an invaluable skill to have.
Stay tuned as we delve into these telltale signs of an emotionally intelligent man…
1) He listens more than he talks
Listening is an art. It’s more than just hearing what someone says – it’s about understanding their perspective, acknowledging their feelings, and responding thoughtfully.
Most people like to talk. They like to share their opinions, their stories, their thoughts. But emotionally intelligent men? They prefer to listen.
They understand that listening is a powerful tool for connecting with others. It’s how they pick up on subtle shifts in tone, the things left unsaid, the emotions bubbling just beneath the surface.
If your guy spends more time with his ears open than his mouth running, chances are he’s an emotional intelligence pro.
It’s a trait that not only makes him a great partner, but also a skilled communicator in the digital world where true listening often falls by the wayside.
2) He’s not afraid of his emotions
Emotionally intelligent men don’t run from their feelings – they face them head-on.
Growing up, I had a friend named Jake. He was one of those guys who was always in tune with his emotions. If he was happy, he’d let you know. If he was upset, he’d share it instead of hiding it away.
Jake wasn’t your stereotypical macho man, but his ability to recognize and express his feelings made him one of the strongest people I knew.
He taught me that being in touch with your emotions isn’t a sign of weakness, but a testament to emotional intelligence.
It’s about embracing the full spectrum of human emotions and using them as a tool for understanding both yourself and others.
If a man is comfortable with his emotional side? That’s a sign he’s more emotionally intelligent than most.
3) He’s got a high degree of self-awareness
Self-awareness is the cornerstone of emotional intelligence. It’s the ability to recognize and understand your own emotions, and how they affect your thoughts and behavior.
A study found that people with high self-awareness tend to have better job performance and leadership skills.
They’re able to navigate their emotions, adapt to change, and make sound decisions under pressure.
If a man shows a high degree of self-awareness, chances are he’s not just emotionally intelligent – he’s also likely to be a strong leader, both in his personal and professional life.
4) He shows empathy towards others
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s about putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and seeing the world from their perspective.
An emotionally intelligent man doesn’t just understand his own emotions, he’s also attuned to the feelings of those around him. He can sense when someone is upset, even if they’re trying to hide it.
He offers comfort when it’s needed, and respects others’ emotional boundaries. He doesn’t rush to fix things or offer advice – instead, he provides a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on.
This empathy makes him a strong ally and a supportive friend, someone who understands that emotions are complex and personal.
5) He’s quick to apologize
Being able to say “I’m sorry” is a powerful sign of emotional intelligence. It shows that a man is self-aware enough to realize when he’s messed up, and humble enough to admit it.
I’ve always admired people who can apologize without hesitation. It takes a lot of guts to own up to your mistakes, especially when you’ve hurt someone you care about.
In my experience, the men who are quickest to apologize are often the ones who are most in touch with their emotions. They understand the impact of their actions on others, and they’re committed to making things right.
If a man is quick to say “I’m sorry”, take note – he’s showing a high level of emotional intelligence.
6) He’s comfortable with silence
In a world that’s always buzzing, silence can be uncomfortable. But for the emotionally intelligent man, silence is a friend.
He understands that sometimes, words can get in the way of understanding. That sometimes, the best response is no response at all. That silence can provide a space for reflection and introspection, for both him and others.
He uses silence to listen better, to understand deeper, to connect on a level that words often fail to reach.
If a man is at ease in moments of silence, he’s likely more emotionally intelligent than most. It’s a sign that he knows when to speak up and when to simply listen and be present.
7) He’s open to feedback
Feedback can be tough to swallow, especially when it’s critical. But the emotionally intelligent man doesn’t shy away from it – he welcomes it.
He sees feedback as an opportunity for growth. He’s willing to listen, to reflect, and to make changes if necessary. He doesn’t take it personally or let it bruise his ego.
Instead, he appreciates the value in others’ perspectives and understands that everyone has room for improvement, including himself.
If a man handles feedback with grace and openness, it’s a strong indicator of emotional intelligence. It shows that he’s committed to learning, evolving, and becoming a better version of himself.
8) He maintains a positive attitude
Life is full of ups and downs, but the emotionally intelligent man knows how to stay positive through it all.
He understands that his attitude can greatly influence his emotions and vice versa. He knows that negativity can cloud judgment and hinder emotional growth.
He chooses to look at the brighter side of things. He turns obstacles into opportunities and failures into lessons. He spreads positivity and uplifts others with his optimistic outlook.
If a man consistently maintains a positive attitude, it’s the ultimate testament to his emotional intelligence. It shows that he’s capable of managing his emotions effectively, even when the going gets tough.
Emotional intelligence is a journey
Hopefully, if you’ve come this far, it’s clear that emotionally intelligent men are not just born. They’re made.
Emotional intelligence is not an inherent trait – it’s a skill that’s honed over time, through experiences and self-reflection.
These eight behaviors are not a definitive checklist but rather signposts along the journey of emotional growth and understanding. They’re habits that can be nurtured and developed over time.
If a man embodies these practices, he’s not just emotionally intelligent. He’s likely a person of depth and understanding, someone who values connection and empathy.
Albert Einstein once said, “Any fool can know. The point is to understand.” And that’s what emotional intelligence is all about.
Not just knowing what you’re feeling or what others are feeling, but understanding those emotions and using that understanding to navigate the world around us.
As you reflect on these traits, think about the men in your life who embody them. And perhaps more importantly, think about how you can nurture these behaviors in your own life.
Because at the end of the day, emotional intelligence is not just for a select few. It’s a journey we can all embark on.
