u/Low-Imagination-2635

I got into baking because I wanted something chill to do after work and now I’m acting like I’m on some cooking competition show in my own kitchen. I bought expensive tools watched hours of videos and got mad last night because my bread didn’t rise the way I wanted. My friends used to love getting random cookies from me and now I’m over here judging the texture like a food critic.

The worst part is I can’t even enjoy it casually anymore. Every time I bake something I start comparing it to people online who make perfect stuff for a living. Anyone else turn a relaxing hobby into a full time mental battle?

I used to think being smart was enough to get through life but emotional intelligence honestly changes everything. I’ve seen people ruin good relationships just because they can’t communicate without turning everything into an argument. Meanwhile the people who actually listen and stay calm during stressful situations seem to do way better in friendships work and dating.

The older I get the more I notice how rare it is to meet someone who can admit they were wrong without getting defensive. Even small things like reading the room noticing someone’s mood or knowing when to stop talking matter way more than people think. A lot of problems would never happen if people had a little self awareness and empathy.

Do you think emotional intelligence is something people can actually learn or are some people naturally just better at it?