Find Out Your Emotional IQ + How It Can Help Your Love Life

Whether you’re trying to make an open relationship work, vowing to stop comparing yourself to others on social media or looking for a boo who’s your financial soulmate, there are tons of specific ways to take your relationship status on Facebook from “in a relationship” to “in a really freaking awesome relationship.” One of these ways is to find out your emotional intelligence, a term coined in a study by Dr. John D. Mayer.

How to tell if you’re emotionally intelligent

According to the study, emotional IQ is “the capacity to reason about emotions and emotional information, and of emotions to enhance thought.” Basically, it’s the ability to solve emotion-related problems.

Measuring emotional intelligence is similar to measuring academic intelligence. Contributors to the study used a combination of problem-solving and ability problems to quantify how emotional intelligence manifests itself in people — and their findings show that emotional IQ is actually correlated to academic intelligence. Wondering how you measure up? Scroll on for more on Dr. Mayer’s four-branch model.

4 branches of emotional intelligence

1. Perceiving emotion. Do you have a knack for knowing how someone is feeling just by his or her facial expression? If so, you’re probably great at perceiving emotion, which, according to the study, is a “crucial starting point for more advanced understanding of emotions.”

2. Using emotions to facilitate thought. Humans subconsciously respond emotionally to many stimuli — and some humans are particularly good at translating that response into cognitive thought. For example, if someone at work makes an emotionally intelligent person angry, that person might calmly analyze their anger and facilitate a productive discussion with their coworker.

3. Understanding emotions. Emotions can be hard to wrap your mind around at times. However, people with a high emotional IQ can not only identify what emotion they’re feeling, but can also recognize the actions they’ve taken or are thinking about that are influenced by that emotion. This skill will keep you from doing anything too nutty.

4. Managing emotions. Since emotions are inherently involuntary, they’re also inherently hard to control. While we’ll never have complete agency over our emotions, the ability to create an “emotional comfort zone” can lead to self-regulation, which is essentially the ability to manage your own feelings.

Why emotional IQ matters in relationships

Emotional intelligence plays a HUGE role in the way we relate to others. Although it affects just about everyone you interact with, those in your innermost circles — such as family, friends and your S.O. — reap most of the positive and negative energy when it comes to how you manage your emotions.

According to the study, people with high levels of emotional intelligence are “particularly good at establishing positive social relationships with others, and avoiding conflicts, fights and other social altercations. They’re particularly good at understanding psychologically healthy living and avoiding such problems as drugs and drug abuse.”

But whether you’re high or low on the emotional IQ scale, the study points out that knowing your emotional intelligence is even more important than having a lot of it. Know thyself (and thy emotions). It’s definitely something to think about next time you get really upset at your boss or boo.

Has your emotional IQ affected your relationships? Let us know @BritandCo!

(Photos via Getty)

Let’s be honest, while happily ever afters are great in fairytales, we all love a little drama (or a lot of drama) when it comes to what we watch on TV. Reality dating shows have gotten more and more popular for that very reason — and that means there’s plenty for audiences to choose from when it comes to their next guilty pleasure. Here are our picks for the best dating shows to stream right now for that perfect mix of love and pure chaos!

Love Island USA — 6 seasons

Jocelyn Prescod/Peacock

Not only does Love Island USA have everything you want from a dating show, it’s also a reality competition series! Viewers can even vote for their favorite couples to determine which of the island’s singles continue to stay in the villa and who will leave heartbroken.

Where to watch: Peacock, Netflix, and Hulu.

​Love Is Blind — 7 seasons

Netflix

If you’re looking for love, do looks play a factor in who you decide to connect with? Well, for these single men and women, love is completely blind, and an engagement comes before their first face-to-face meeting.

Where to watch: Netflix.

The Bachelorette — 21 seasons

Disney/Richard Middlesworth

This series serves as a spin-off to The Bachelor, which is one of the most iconic and well known dating shows in TV history. It follows the journey of a woman looking for love. Eliminations and roses are (hopefully) the key to each season's bachelorette finding one perfect match and a lifetime of happiness.

Where to watch: Tubi and Hulu.

​Married at First Sight — 17 seasons

Lifetime

Love at first sight might sound like the ultimate dream but what about marriage at first sight? That’s right, six singles agree to get married the moment they meet with the goal of finding their partner for life. Watch season 18 on Lifetime now!

Where to watch: Sling TV, Prime Video, Lifetime, Freevee, Netflix, Hulu, Discovery Plus, and Philo.

​The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On — 2 seasons

Netflix

Ultimatum can make or break any relationship, so if you’re faced with the decision to marry or move on, what will you do? With love on the line and other potential matches entering the picture to make things even more complicated, it’s time to make your choice once and for all.

What to watch: Netflix.

​Perfect Match — 2 seasons

Netflix

Comparability is everything in a relationship, and it’s also everything in this series. Those couples who can prove that they work well together are able to get the ultimate power of controlling the fate of other pairs. Juicy!!

Where to watch: Netflix

​Are You the One? — 9 seasons

Gerardo Valido/MTV Entertainment

10 single men and 10 single women are assessed by a team of professional matchmakers and psychologists in order to discover their perfect match. The matchmakers choose their pairings based on those results at the beginning of the season and then the contestants must figure out who their match is based on dates and competitions.

Where to watch: Pluto TV, Hulu, and Paramount+.

Check out the The Best Reality TV Shows To Watch Next for more weekend binge inspiration!

Some desserts are timeless classics (looking at you, cookies and brownies), while others have truly faded into nostalgia territory. From over-the-top gelatin molds to fruity treats that peaked decades ago, certain sweets just don’t have the same appeal they once did.

If you’ve ever wondered which desserts are clinging to the past (and which ones you should definitely reconsider making in today's age), it’s time to take a deliciously nostalgic trip down memory lane.

Scroll on for 8 "old school" desserts that have lost their sweet charm.

مآمثلي آحد / PEXELS

1. Baked Alaska

This extravagant dessert featuring ice cream encased in cake and meringue was once a total showstopper at fine dining establishments. However, its complexity along with the rise of simpler, more modern frozen desserts has led it to fade from the dessert zeitgeist. It’s also quite tricky to prepare at home yourself, requiring careful timing and a quick broil – all without melting the ice cream inside.

Spend With Pennies

2. Ambrosia

Ambrosia was a true staple of mid-century American potlucks. It’s essentially a fruit salad mixed with canned mandarin oranges, pineapples, marshmallows, and coconut, often held together with whipped cream or (shudders) mayonnaise. It has fallen out of favor due to its heavy reliance on processed ingredients and a shift toward fresher, less-sugary desserts.

Betty Crocker

3. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Oh, so retro! This buttery cake prepped with caramelized pineapple rings and maraschino cherries on top was wildly popular in the 1950s and ‘60s, but isn’t too hot anymore since most dessert recipes these days tend to rely on less-processed, canned ingredients. At least it looks cool!

Allrecipes

4. Jell-O Salad

As another mid-century favorite, Jell-O salad combined flavored gelatin with a mix of fruits, marshmallows, and sometimes even vegetables like shredded carrots or olives (what the?!). Once an undeniable go-to for dinner parties and church potlucks, it’s now really seen as an oddity due to its artificial flavors, wobbly texture, and unconventional ingredient pairings.

Billie Lentz / Dupe

5. Chess Pie

Chess Pie is a simple (and very sweet) Southern dessert made from eggs, sugar, butter, and vinegar or lemon juice. It also boasts a rich, custard-like filling! While it still has a niche following, it has been overshadowed by trendier, more visually appealing pies like salted caramel or chocolate silk.

Felicity Tai / PEXELS

6. Fruit Cake

There was once a time where you couldn’t go wrong with fruit cake. This holiday staple, oftentimes packed with candied fruits and nuts, has earned a reputation for being overly-dense and cloyingly sweet. It’s also commonly mocked for its long shelf life and dry texture, making it more of a novelty than an actual dessert.

Allrecipes

7. Watergate Salad

A wacky creation of the 1970s, this pastel-green dessert featured pistachio pudding mix, Cool Whip, crushed pineapple, marshmallows, and nuts. Though it was once pretty trendy for the times, its artificial flavors and processed ingredients make it feel super outdated in today’s era of more natural, whole-food desserts.

Markus Spiske / PEXELS

8. Rice Pudding

You don’t see this one too much anymore. While rice pudding was once pretty common, it has become eclipsed by trendier desserts like crème brûlée or mousse. Its soft, slightly mushy texture and simple ingredients may feel too plain for modern dessert lovers seeking more complex flavors and textures.

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more "old school" trends across food and fashion!

The writer's room — and queen Shonda Rhimes herself — didn't hold back when it came to giving us every memorable Bridgerton quote after quote. But before Netflix, author Julia Quinn crafted the regency era books to tell these beautiful, romantic stories we know and love. Without them, we wouldn't even have the Ton in all their well-spoken (and sometimes petty) glory!

And while I've been a fan of the show since day one, it wasn't until I watched Bridgerton season 2 that I realized just how special the characters are. Their individual, unique styles not only translate to their own whimsical, cottagecorelooks — they trickle down into the words they use, too. I mean, admit it: you definitely say, "Daphne, you must make haste," in Eloise Bridgerton's voice on a regular basis, too.

As much as that quote sticks out to me, there are oh-so many more that deserve the spotlight. Don't believe me? Keep scrolling to see which romantic musings and quippy moments made to our Bridgerton quotes list!

"I have loved. I have lost. I have earned the right to do whatever I please, whenever I please, and however I please to do it." —Lady Danbury

"To meet a beautiful woman is one thing, but to meet your best friend in the most beautiful of women is something entirely apart." —Simon Basset

"The lady is quite the treasure. Do try not to bungle it up." —Lady Danbury

"I happen to believe a lady's business is her own." —Madame Delacroix

"There are perhaps darker turns in these woods than we've been taught to expect. There is light to be found at their end." —Daphne Bridgerton

"You are the bane of my existence and the object of all my desires." —Lady Anthony Bridgerton

"True love is something else entirely. It is when the rest of the world goes quiet. It is not eyes that meet, but souls that dance." —Kate Sharma

"However difficult forgiving someone may be, it is necessary to move forward." —Lady Violet Bridgerton

"Pen, living for the estimation of others is a trap. Once you break free, the world opens up." —Colin Bridgerton

"I am certain you will find your purpose one day. Everyone must eventually." —Penelope Featherington

"You are wise or perhaps unusually lucky to understand friendship to be the best possible foundation a marriage can have." —Queen Charlotte

"All Is Fair In Love And War But Some Battles Leave No Victor, Only A Trail Of Broken Hearts That Makes Us Wonder If The Price We Pay Is Ever Worth The Fight." —Lady Whistledown

"If you desire the sun and the moon all you have to do is go out and shoot at the sky. Some of us cannot." —Eloise Bridgerton

"Why must our only options be to squawk and settle or to never leave the nest? What if I want to fly?" —Eloise Bridgerton

"And when one chooses the heart over the head, often all reason goes out of the window. But the body has a way, indeed, of knowing most what it needs." —Lady Whistledown

Looking to stay in-the-know on all things Bridgerton? Follow the conversation on Facebook!

Lead image via Liam Daniel/Netflix

Nothing welcomes in warmer weather like a spring wedding guest dress! Their light, airy, and ethereal styles give way to the whimsy and optimism of the season — and TBH I'm looking for any excuse to wear these dresses to wedding after wedding. So while I wait for your invitation, here are all the adorable spring wedding guest dresses I'm adding to my cart this year!

Scroll to see our favorite spring wedding guest dresses for 2025!

Mac Duggal

Multicolor Strapless Brocade Floral Gown With Ruffle Hem

This gorgeous little number just is spring, from the dainty bright colors to the beautiful flower detailing. Plus, the warmer weather is perfect for showing a little shoulder! This is definitely my favorite of the bunch.

Lulus

Nadra Light Blue Satin Jacquard One-Shoulder Maxi Dress

I've been obsessed with jacquard lately, and it works so well with this powder blue. The balance of the one shoulder and the side slit on either side of the dress adds the perfect symmetry to what may be considered asymmetrical look, too!

Anthropologie

BHLDN Selma Halter-Neck Satin Maxi Dress

Big fan of How to Lose a Guy In 10 Days? This is the dress for you. Plus, Timothée Chalamet reminded us how amazing butter yellow still looks on the Oscars red carpet this year!

Nordstrom

After Six Pleated Cap Sleeve Charmeuse Gown

Speaking of the Oscars red carpet, Andrew Garfield made brown look effortlessly chic on the carpet this year. (Am I taking my spring wedding guest dress inspiration from two guys? Yep — inspiration can come from anywhere, y'all!)

Anthropologie

BHLDN Tessa Halter V-Neck High-Shine Satin Maxi Dress

Sage green is seriously the perfect color for a spring soirée! I love the lily details down the front of the dress, and the satin fabric just looks so light and chic.

Banana Republic

Banana Republic Twisted Shoulder Maxi Dress

Ever since I saw Meg in Hercules, I knew I wanted the perfect slouchy Greek-inspired dress. This Banana Republic maxi dress is giving all that and then some!

Mac Duggal

Mac Duggal Black Crepe Sleeveless Beaded V Neck Gown With Bow

I know black doesn't exactly exude spring, but I think the floral, beaded embellishments really take this dress there. As a New Yorker, I basically wear black all the time, so it's nice to have an option that actually suits the season!

Nordstrom

Adrianna Papell Foiled Trumpet Gown

Okay, you may think, "Hm...this is basically the butter yellow dress you dropped in above," but you would be wrong. The foiled pattern on this dress add a unique elegance to the look that definitely differentiates it from the other gown. Plus, a halter top is so springy — I can't help but have more than one in this roundup!

Lulus

Lulus Gemmi Light Blue Satin Jacquard Drop Waist Maxi Dress

Drop waist dresses are EVERYTHING right now. So pairing that with the light blue jacquard I already love so much? Yeah, you've got a real winner with this gown.

Anthropologie

V. Chapman Vera Ruffle-Strap Corset Side-Slit Midi Dress

Corsets are still very much in right now. I love how dainty and delicate this dress looks, while still being a darker navy blue. Again, it's giving a great option for the girlies who don't exactly love a spring pastel, but still wanna adopt a lighter feel to their look!

Abercrombie

The A&F Giselle Drop-Waist Maxi Dress

Butter yellow + a drop waist + a strapless neckline? That's a recipe for elegance you just can't pass up! I can totally picture dancing the night away in this stunning pleated skirt!

Looking for more style & shopping advice? Sign up for our newsletter so you never miss a thing!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Trader Joe’s has all the best festive flavors for St. Patrick’s Day, and their shelves are undeniably stocked up with seasonal gems you won’t want to miss. From Irish-inspired cheeses to sweet treats with a lucky twist, there’s no shortage of fun (and delicious!) ways to celebrate this year. If you're looking to add some festive energy to your grocery haul, these TJ’s finds are the perfect way to get into the spirit.

Scroll on for 13 epic Trader Joe's finds you need to add to your cart for St. Patty's Day!

Trader Joe's

Kerrygold Irish Cheddar With Chili Peppers

Whether you use this spicy grass-fed cheddar for a charcuterie board, on top of steaming-hot baked potatoes, or for bite-sized grilled cheeses, your St. Patty's party will be so glad you grabbed it.

Trader Joe's

Corned Beef Brisket

Corned beef is a St. Patty's classic. This brisket comes pre-seasoned with plenty of mustard, coriander, bay leaf, red chili pepper, and dill seed for a unique, yet super familiar flavor profile.

Trader Joe's

Pie Crusts

These readymade pie crusts can be easily transformed for on-theme Shepherd's Pies and desserts alike.

Trader Joe's

Beer Bread Mix

Soda bread is another can't-miss traditional St. Patrick's Day snack, and this bread mix (where all you have to do is add beer and butter) makes enjoying the snack extremely easy. You could even top it with a medley of other ingredients to enhance a certain flavor profile.

Trader Joe's

Breaded Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Any holiday party involving beer (AKA St. Patrick's Day) calls for some fried food. Skip the drive-thru and prep these cheesy sticks right at home for just $5!

Trader Joe's

Beef Rib Eye Steak

If grillin' is on the docket for your St. Patty's Day plans, opt for one of TJ's fancy steak cuts like this nice $15 rib eye to feed a crowd!

Trader Joe's

Soft Pretzel Twists

These soft pretzel twists are just as tasty as the bites you'd get at the stadium – salt and all!

Trader Joe's

Garlic Gondolas

These "very garlicky" bread boats can host a wide array of fillings like stews, soups, and salads. Just cut 'em up for a finger food that's definitely worthy of your St. Patrick's celebration!

Trader Joe's

Dark Chocolate Covered Caramels

When it comes to the sweet stuff, you simply can't go wrong with these dark chocolate-covered caramel bites.

Trader Joe's

Brownie Truffle Baking Mix

This brownie mix includes notes of fudgy chocolate that's sure to cure any sweet tooth. You could totally serve small bites of this using toothpicks for your party – easy!

Trader Joe's

Apple Blossoms

These apple-filled snacks are like mini apple pies: individual pastries filled with sweet, cooked apples and topped with a tasty bit of cinnamon crumble! They bake very quickly in the oven so you don't have to wait long for your St. Patty's dessert.

Trader Joe's

Yellow Mini Sheet Cake

Trader Joe's sheet cakes are perfect for sharing. Luckily, this new flavor is gluten-free, so everyone can get a taste of its moist crumb and decadent chocolate frosting.

Trader Joe's

Chocolate Hazelnut Ground Coffee

Got Irish coffee on the menu? Step it up using this chocolate-hazelnut coffee that'll enhance every single flavor note.

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more epic Trader Joe's finds!