Emotionally intelligent people avoid petty power struggles to minimize unnecessary drama.

Delaying gratification helps EI individuals prioritize meaningful goals over fleeting desires.

Practicing gratitude reduces conflict and fosters more harmonious relationships.

Emotionally intelligent individuals tend to dodge unnecessary drama by doing three things. They avoid petty power struggles, delay gratification, and always seem to have gratitude. Although these tendencies seem simple, they require a person to have self-discipline, a modest ego, and an ability to think, in meaningful ways, about the big picture.

Why Avoiding Petty Power Struggles Is Crucial

Avoiding petty power struggles is a feat. Disagreements with friends, colleagues, or family members about plans, time frames, or opinions about trivial things can test our patience and our ego strength. During these interactions, the person you are dealing with may “hit below the belt” to rattle you so they can gain the upper hand.

For example, on the first Tuesday of every month, you order lunch for your team at work. Your boss graciously picks up the tab, so you are mindful of the expense. The local Thai restaurant seems to be everyone’s favorite, including yours, and is reasonably priced. As you are putting in the order, your co-worker enters your office and says she and........

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