What’s your EQ?
Your IQ is a measure of your intelligence. Your EQ is a measure of your “emotional intelligence.”
The term was coined in 1995 by Daniel Goleman, who first applied the concept to businessmen and women. He described emotional intelligence as the degree to which you understand your own emotions, the emotions of others, and can make healthy relational choices as a result. The concept eventually spilled outside the business world into other arenas.
A great take on the EQ concept within marriage comes from Drs. Dave and Jan Stoop. They’ve been married for 60 years and lead marriage seminars and retreats. They’ve written a book together called SMART Love: How Improving Your Emotional Intelligence Will Transform Your Marriage.
SMART is an acronym for five facets of emotional intelligence in marriage:
• S – Self-awareness of what I feel
• M – Managing my emotions
• A – Accountability to my spouse and to other couples
• R – Reading my spouse’s emotions (A.K.A. – Empathy)
• T – Together in the land of emotion
Dave and Jan are with us on our program “Understanding Your Spouse’s Emotions.” From newlyweds to those who have celebrated their diamond anniversary, the Stoops will help couples improve their EQ and deepen their love for each other.
Tune in on your local radio station, online, or on our free phone app. Dr. Dave Stoop is the founder and director of the Center for Family Therapy. Dr. Jan Stoop is a counselor.
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