The traits that distinguish emotionally strong people have nothing to do with harshness of character, nor with inflexibility or the tendency to impose on others. On the contrary, emotional strength is not expressed through gestures of force, but primarily through resistance and self-control.
Therefore, the characteristics common to emotionally strong people can be related to the concept of moderation and balance. We come into the world without one or the other, but we can potentially develop both. It is up to each of us to nurture them. Therefore, self-control is the key word.
This is not about suppressing feelings, but about being able to filter what we feel so it doesn't "explode" causing us to act in ways that harm ourselves and others. Emotionally strong personality traits tell us about self-control. Here are 7 of them.
Characteristics of emotionally strong people:
1. They don't try to attract attention
One of the characteristics of emotionally strong people is that they respect themselves. This means that they do not depend on the opinion of others to think or feel that what they say has value and is sensible. Because one of the characteristics of emotional weakness is excessive dependence on the opinions of others. This means that they do not value themselves enough and that they give others control of their lives.
2. Resistance
This characteristic is strongly related to the previous one. One of the typical characteristics of emotional strength is the ability to face rejection and manage it without hurting, leaving scars or influencing your actions. Obviously, it is painful for each of us to receive rejections.
However, when rejection causes excessive fear, we end up saying "yes" when we want to say "no" just out of fear that others will exclude or doubt us. We are equipped with emotional strength when we face this fear and learn to manage it appropriately.
3. They do what they want
Doing what you want does not mean acting arbitrarily and capriciously, like a child does. The typical "desire" of childhood is different from that of adults. In the first case it is the result of an impulse, in the second it is the result of deep self-knowledge and self-control. An emotionally strong person is able to decide what he wants after a process of reflection. He also has enough willpower to go after what he wants and not let it go.
4. They do not try to harm others
The desire to harm others arises only when there is something undefined or unresolved within us. In all circumstances, human beings need each other; this is because we are interdependent beings. An emotionally healthy person knows this and therefore sees others as his equals. He respects them and gives them a certain value, just as he expects to be respected and valued. He knows that cooperation and understanding are the ways to achieve a fulfilled life.
5. They choose their own friends
One of the traits of emotionally strong people is that they are selective about who they allow into their lives. They know that they cannot fully open the doors of their hearts to anyone. They also understand that part of their well-being depends on the quality of their relationships with others. For this reason, they reject suffocating, conflicting or exhausting relationships. Rather, they seek healthy relationships.
6. They are not afraid of change
Not being afraid of change is a sure sign of emotional strength. If we are, or if we feel fragile, the normal thing is to try to follow our routine strictly, to feel safe. This is how we feel protected, even though it deprives us of a full life. When we perceive ourselves as emotionally strong people, the desire to explore, to change, is ignited in us. This is why we seek new experiences. Everything new usually produces some kind of fear, but at some points in our lives it is also the only way to move forward.
7. They cannot be influenced
An emotionally strong person questions the information they receive. Before accepting them as truth, he analyzes and evaluates them. It is not obsessed with fashion, physical or mental trends of the moment.
Of course, this requires sufficient self-confidence. But above all, it requires each of us to know what is best for ourselves. For this reason, anything that is chosen and followed by the majority becomes subject to scrutiny.
