Healthy and lasting relationships often depend on emotional intelligence, which includes skills like empathy, kindness, and self-reflection. In psychology, emotional intelligence is defined as the ability to recognize and understand emotions in oneself and others, using this awareness to navigate problems or build stronger connections. A key part of emotional intelligence is active listening, which means focusing fully on the person speaking rather than preparing a response or interrupting. Dr. Nicole LePera, a psychologist and founder of @the.holistic.psychologist, emphasizes that active listening is crucial for meaningful communication. She advises people to avoid jumping in with their own thoughts, to ask open-ended questions without judgment, and to resist the urge to fix problems immediately. According to Dr. LePera, "When you listen to someone attentively, you actually prove that you respect them and understand their feelings," and "Do nothing. The only thing you can do to help them is to listen to them and be there for them." Research published in 2026 supports the idea that asking thoughtful questions plays a vital role in building connections with others. This practice helps individuals better understand the thoughts and intentions of those around them, which is a core part of developing emotional intelligence. Similarly, a study from 2007 found that making eye contact while speaking was strongly linked to higher perceived intelligence. The study suggested that nonverbal cues, such as eye contact, can influence how intelligent someone appears during conversations, showing that intelligence is not only about what is said but also how it is expressed through behavior.