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When it comes to dating, many don't often think of the importance of emotional intelligence. However, just like regular intelligence, emotional intelligence often impacts the choices, decisions, and reactions made within a relationship; they are also a very good way to determine how successful a relationship will be.

Emotional Intelligence may best be described as the ability to handle, control, and manage one's emotions in a healthy manner. Emotional Intelligence also includes the ability to handle other people's emotions as well. People with low Emotional Intelligence may be more difficult to get along with in a relationship. Without the knowledge or understanding of their partner's feelings or point of view, those with low Emotional Intelligence often make decisions that are detrimental to a relationship

Integrity and honesty are vital aspects of Emotional Intelligence. If you're in a relationship and your partner does not value honesty or know how to behave with integrity, you are certain to have problems in the future. It is a person's own ability to handle their emotions that leads them to act with integrity. No one willingly enters into a relationship with someone that will repeatedly lie to him or her, however if your partner has low Emotional Intelligence, you can be sure that they can't be trusted. If someone lies throughout their life and has no integrity in other areas, you can be certain that they aren't going to suddenly turn a new leaf and deal honestly with you. A person who has the ability to admit their mistakes, confess to wrongdoing, and sincerely apologize for the past failures when they make mistakes has a greater degree of Emotional Intelligence than someone who lies to cover and hide their actions.

A partner who has a low degree of Emotional Intelligence very rarely esteems or values the worth of their partner. In fact, it may seem the opposite is true. They may constantly put their partner down, verbally insult them, or make them feel as if they are less than a whole person. This all stems from a lack of Emotional Intelligence. When a person doesn't know how to manage and handle their emotions properly, they will take their frustrations, anger, and resentments out on those nearest them. It is a person who has a high degree of Emotional Intelligence that continues to affirm their partner's self worth, despite how they are feeling emotionally.

Emotional Intelligence plays an important factor in communication. If you're involved in a relationship with someone who very rarely expresses their feelings in an intelligent or cohesive manner, or acts out in anger then you are dealing with someone who has a low Emotional IQ. It takes self-discipline and hard work to communicate effectively when you are angry. Learning how to control your feelings, whether they are feelings of disappointment, anger, jealousy, or pain is vital to successfully communicating your feelings without resorting to attacking or discrediting your partner. Only someone who has learned how to handle his or her emotions in a healthy and positive manner can accomplish this.