People With High Mental & Spiritual Intelligence Usually Have 6 Exceptional Traits
Peopleimages.com - YuriArcurs | Canva Research proves that high mental & spiritual intelligence — the ability to apply and embody spiritual resources and qualities to enhance our daily lives — makes people better leaders in society and in the workplace, and a new study suggests it even shapes our romantic relationships.
In a forthcoming study by psychologist and spiritual intelligence researcher Dr. Yosi Amram, spiritual intelligence was revealed as a top predictor of relationship satisfaction. After analyzing 100 couples, several exceptional traits stood out: a collection of practices and mindsets that helped these couples thrive — spiritually and mentally.
People with high mental and spiritual intelligence often have these amazing traits:
1. They treat their relationship as a growth practice
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Mentally & spiritually intelligent people understand that relationships offer a unique chance to become more whole, developed versions of ourselves. These couples view challenges and even conflict as opportunities to deepen intimacy, grow, and heal both individually and together.
2. They choose curiosity over being right
When disagreements arise, the goal is never to “win.” Mentally & spiritually intelligent people learn to soften their egos — primarily open to understanding their partner’s perspective. Over time, each partner's well-being becomes intertwined with the other's, shifting the focus from individual success to shared flourishing.
3. People like this know how to be independent while remaining open to each other
If someone only stands their ground without considering their partner, they become overly rigid. Meanwhile, if they don’t stand their ground at all, they’re deflecting and suppressing their needs. Either way, no authentic connection can form.
Healthy relationships require both self-assertiveness and openness to the other, and mentally & spiritually intelligent people learn to navigate this paradox by listening deeply without losing themselves. They balance self-expression with receptivity, tracking both their partner and their own reactions to what’s going on.
In healthy relationships, both partners must maintain a strong sense of self. At times, this might mean stepping back into their own domain of interest, hobbies, and work, as well as their inner world (reflecting, growing, and resting). Rather than weakening the relationship, this differentiation strengthens it. It provides them with new stimuli to share with their partner, as well as creates the space for genuine appreciation and renewed connection.
4. Spiritually intelligent people meet each other with presence
Connection depends on attention and a shared intention. Whether during dinner or a difficult conversation, mentally & spiritually intelligent people practice being fully present. They are cognizant of their desire to connect. They listen to understand rather than simply waiting for their turn to respond. They’re also quite good at putting away those devices!
5. They trust themselves and their partner to be vulnerable
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Mentally & spiritually intelligent people recognize that true intimacy requires being known fully. This sharing of self both depends on and deepens the compassion they have for themselves and each other. When partners discover feeling accepted, the grip of shame begins to loosen, and both parties can experience being loved for who they are, faults and all.
6. They respect and support each other's purpose
Mentally & spiritually intelligent people invest time to passionately pursue their respective purposes, giving their individual lives meaning. Sharing their excitement for, as well as the challenges of, their work with their partner helps them feel seen and supported. Meanwhile, the relationship comes to have its own purpose, which certainly includes fostering each of theirs.
At its core, mental & spiritual intelligence in relationships is the ability to show up with authentic presence, compassion, integrity, and an open-hearted commitment to an ever-growing love with oneself, life, and each other.
Dr. Yosi Amram is the author of Spiritually Intelligent Leadership: How to Inspire by Being Inspired, has written for Psychology Today and Inc., recently delivered a TEDx talk on spiritual intelligence, and his research has been cited in more than 1,000 academic publications.
