Your overall pattern
You have scored in the Low Emotional Intelligence range, which we refer to as "Emerging Awareness." This does not mean you are "broken" or incapable of feeling. Rather, it suggests that you may view emotions as a foreign language—confusing, illogical, and something to be avoided.
You might often feel that other people are "too sensitive" or "irrational." You may pride yourself on being logical or tough. However, ignoring the emotional engine of your life is like driving a car while ignoring the dashboard warning lights; eventually, the vehicle may break down, or you might end up somewhere you didn't intend to go.
"Emotions are data. You don't have to like the data, but you cannot fix the problem if you refuse to look at it."
Typical behaviors
- Emotional Suppression: You might push feelings down until they explode in outbursts of anger or result in physical symptoms (headaches, fatigue).
- Social Friction: You may often feel misunderstood, or find that people take offense at things you thought were neutral or honest.
- Discomfort with Intimacy: When others cry or share deep feelings, your instinct is likely to freeze, offer a quick fix, or leave the room.
Strengths in this pattern
- Objectivity: In crises where everyone else is panicking, you might be the one who can remain detached and look at the facts.
- Independence: You rely heavily on yourself and are not easily swayed by the emotional whims of the crowd.
Common pitfalls
Why this pattern causes pain:
- Isolation: By not connecting with the emotional reality of others, you may unintentionally push away the people who care about you.
- Blind Spots: Because you may not recognize your own stressors, you are at higher risk for sudden burnout or stress-related health issues.
"Reflection point: Do you often feel that the world is happening to you, rather than you having a say in how you react?"
What you can do next
Small actions you can start today
- Body Scan: Emotions start in the body. Once a day, ask: "Is my jaw clenched? Is my stomach tight?" Use physical cues to identify feelings.
- Observe Others: Watch a movie and try to explicitly identify what the characters are feeling and why. Treat it like a study project.
Longer-term directions
- Vocabulary Expansion: Learn the names of emotions beyond "Mad, Sad, Glad." The more words you have, the more control you have.
- Safe Practice: Find one trusted person with whom you can practice saying, "I feel frustrated right now." Start small.
Disclaimer and when to seek help
This test describes patterns based on your self-report and is for educational purposes only. If you feel persistently numb, angry, or unable to form close relationships, these can sometimes be signs of underlying issues that a therapist can help you navigate safely and without judgment.