Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. It allows individuals to navigate social complexities, manage relationships, communicate effectively, empathize with others, and defuse conflict.

The concept involves skills such as empathy and self-awareness. Emotional intelligence is therefore crucial in various aspects of life, including relationships, communication, and overall well-being, and developing it means being aware of our own emotions and how they can impact personal and professional interactions, helping us discern between different feelings, and using this emotional information to guide thinking and behavior.

It may seem complicated at first, but maybe you know the concept by another name: common sense. You know, things that you should or should not do in order to be civil.

Common sense refers to the sound judgment and practical knowledge that is shared by a society or community. It encompasses a sensible and rational approach to everyday situations, allowing individuals to make reasonable decisions based on their understanding of the world. It is often considered to be a blend of experience, intuition, and logical reasoning, providing a practical guide for navigating various aspects of life.

Ultimately, it is a collectively constructed concept, while emotional intelligence refers more directly to individual behavior, and perhaps this is precisely where the heart of the matter lies. As the collective has been somewhat undervalued lately, common sense needed a rebrand to avoid disappearing completely, and voilà, the twin brother emotional intelligence enters the field.

I do not know if it was a lack of common sense or emotional intelligence that led a woman to stand in the middle of a richly designed colorful salt carpet. I do not know if it was a lack of common sense or emotional intelligence that led a woman to stand in the middle of a richly designed colourful salt carpet during the last Corpus Christi festival.

In the festivities of Corpus Christi holds great significance. It is a tradition where intricate carpets are created using coloured salt, sawdust, flowers, and other natural materials. The salt carpet symbolizes the path that Jesus took during the procession of Corpus Christi. It also reflects the devotion and unity of the community in preparing for this important religious event, creating a beautiful and ephemeral (the are undone by the end of the day) display of faith and artistry.

For me, personally, it is a family day out, where you can walk along the main avenue of the city, closed for carpet making. Perhaps because it touches emotional memories so dear to me, the sight of that woman moving her hair while taking a selfie on the carpet, without caring about all the work it cost those involved in maintaining this tradition seemed outrageous to me.

I immediately started shouting in her direction: “Hey, my friend, you can’t stay there, you’re ruining the design of the rug.”

She did not leave and continued taking selfies with her cell phone. “Hey, you!”, I repeated, now waving my arms. She continued ignoring me. I was losing my Holy War. I needed support. I addressed the other people watching the carpets: “Guys, help me, she’s not listening to me!”, poiting to the lady on the carpet.

Some people approached and soon a small crowd was clapping and shouting: “Get off the carpet! Get off the carpet!” Continuing to pretend not to hear, the woman finally put the phone away and left the carpet, moving away from the crowd that was booing her.

Later, at home, I recalled the case and thought that the woman lacked emotional ineligence. She could have done much better with a simple: “Sorry, guys” and, in a more refined spirit, she could even have ended with “Happy holidays to you too” or something similar. It would be what you call a classy getaway.

I thought about how that woman should solve the problems that everyday life presents to her. Does she pretend not to notice the challenges that life offers her? Could it be that the solution to situations that she does not know how to deal with is to simply pretend that she does not realize the problem? Is she not familiar with the transformative power that a sincere apology has?

I felt a little sorry for her and I hope with all my heart that she finds a way to develop her conflict resolution skills. Or get used to a few boos along the way.

Be seeing you!

G.F.