Being Smart in More Ways than One

Applying these concepts to everyday life, you are considered emotionally intelligent if you can: know your feelings, and use them to make life decisions that you are satisfied with; are able to manage your emotional life without “being hijackd” by it – not being paralyzed by depression or anxiety, or swept out of control by anger; persist in the face of obstacles and channel your impulses so that you can pursue your goals; use empathy, which is the art of reading other people’s feelings without their having to tell you what they are; and handle feelings of yourself and others in relationships with some level of skill.

Why is emotional intelligence so important? A quote from the Web site Dr. Spock (www.drspock.com) may explain this:
“The ability to predict and influence other people's emotions has to be one of the most important skills any person can have. School children need interpersonal intelligence to be accepted by their peers and negotiate the swirling waters of cliques and coolness. Teens need emotional intelligence to get dates and keep friends. Adults need emotional intelligence to get by in the world of work, and in relationships. If you can't understand and