In the realm of relationships, the dichotomy between practicality and emotionality often surfaces, presenting a complex dynamic that can define or derail partnerships. Striking a balance between these two aspects is not only crucial for the health of a relationship but also for the personal growth of those involved. This article delves into understanding the practical versus emotional spectrum in relationships, exploring the characteristics of practical and emotional personalities, and offering insights on achieving harmony between these diverse approaches.
Practical vs Emotional Approach
At the heart of every relationship is a balance of thought and feeling, logic and emotion. Being practical in a relationship means making decisions based on logic, efficiency, and effectiveness, often with a focus on long-term goals and stability. Practical individuals tend to approach relationship issues with a problem-solving mindset, prioritizing actions and solutions over emotional expressions.
In contrast, an emotional approach in relationships emphasizes feelings, empathy, and immediate emotional connection. Emotional individuals value expressing and understanding feelings, often prioritizing the emotional well-being of the relationship over pragmatic outcomes.
Practical Person vs Emotional Person
A practical person in a relationship might plan dates meticulously, manage finances conservatively, and approach conflicts with a desire to find quick, effective resolutions. They value stability, reliability, and predictability in their relationships. A practical person in love is a steadfast and loyal partner, showing affection through actions rather than words. They plan for the future and ensure the relationship is on solid ground, sometimes at the expense of emotional expressions of love.
An emotional person, however, thrives on spontaneous expressions of love, deep conversations about feelings, and values the emotional intimacy and connection that comes from navigating life’s ups and downs together. They see relationships as journeys of emotional growth and bonding.
Understanding the Swing
Individuals might find themselves oscillating between being highly emotional and starkly practical, influenced by various factors like stress, life changes, or even daily experiences. This swing can cause confusion and miscommunication in relationships if not understood and addressed properly.
Difference Between Practical and Emotional Person
The key difference lies in their primary approach to life and relationships. Practical people view relationships through the lens of logic and structure, while emotional people see them as expressions of love and feeling. These differences can lead to misunderstandings but also offer opportunities for growth if both partners are willing to understand and appreciate each other’s perspectives.
An overly practical approach can sometimes lead to a relationship feeling more like a business partnership than a romantic connection. It’s important for practical individuals to remember that affection, spontaneity, and emotional support are as crucial as stability and plans for the future.
Why am I highly emotional?
Various factors can influence why a person might be experiencing heightened emotional states. These can range from biological influences to environmental factors and even astrological beliefs. Here are a few points considering these diverse influences:
Biological Factors
Estrogen
- Estrogen, a hormone more prevalent in women, is known to affect emotions. High levels of estrogen can enhance the brain’s response to emotional information, leading to more intense emotional reactions to situations that others might view more neutrally.
Imbalanced Left Nostril Breathing
- In yogic practices, it’s believed that breathing through the left nostril (ida nadi) can activate the right hemisphere of the brain, which is associated with emotional processing, creativity, and intuition. This imbalanced breathing can potentially lead to a heightened emotional state, especially in individuals who also have other factors working against their emotional balance.
Psychological Factors
Stress and Anxiety
- Psychological stress and anxiety can heighten emotional sensitivity. When a person is under significant stress, their threshold for emotional response can be lowered, making them react more intensely to emotional stimuli.
Past Trauma
- Individuals with unresolved trauma might also experience heightened emotional states. Trauma can affect how the brain processes emotions, leading to more intense reactions to reminders of past events or even in situations that are perceived to have similar emotional contexts.
Environmental Factors
- Upbringing and Cultural Environment : The environment a person grows up in or currently inhabits can significantly influence their emotional expression. Cultures that encourage open emotional expression may contribute to individuals being more in tune with their emotions and expressing them more freely.
- Company of Highly Emotional People: Emotions can be contagious due to mirror neurons in the brain that allow us to empathize with others. Being around highly emotional individuals can therefore heighten one’s own emotional responses.
- Movies and Social Media: Engaging with emotionally charged content, such as dramatic movies, intense news stories, or even social media, can trigger strong emotional reactions. These experiences can amplify one’s own feelings through empathy or by relating personal experiences to the content.
- Significant News Events: Exposure to shocking or disturbing news can elicit strong emotional reactions. The nature of the news, be it global tragedies or personal losses conveyed through media, can deeply affect individuals’ emotional states.
Astrological Beliefs
Zodiac Signs
- Astrology enthusiasts believe that a person’s zodiac sign can influence their emotional temperament. For example, Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) are traditionally associated with deep emotional capacities and sensitivity. These signs are thought to experience and express emotions more intensely compared to Earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn), Air (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius), and Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius), each of which interacts with emotional and practical aspects in different ways according to astrological beliefs.
Planetary Influences
- Apart from sun signs, the positions of the Moon and other planets at the time of a person’s birth are also believed to affect their emotional nature. Planetary transits of Moon’s nodes over Natal Sun and Moon positions can trigger volatile reactions.
In conclusion, being highly emotional can be attributed to a complex interplay of hormonal levels, psychological states, environmental influences, and for those who believe, astrological factors. Understanding these can help individuals navigate their emotional experiences with greater awareness and compassion.
Why am I highly practical?
Various factors can influence why a person might be experiencing heightened emotional states. These can range from biological influences to environmental factors and even astrological beliefs. Here are a few points considering these diverse influences:
Biological Factors
Testosterone
- Higher levels of testosterone have been linked to more assertive and competitive behavior, which can correlate with a more practical and less emotionally expressive demeanor.
Imbalanced Right Nostril Breathing
- In yogic practices, it’s believed that breathing through the right nostril (pingala nadi) is associated with an energized body and mind, activating the left brain hemisphere, which is linked to logic, analytical thinking, and practicality. This imbalanced breathing can enhance a person’s focus on practical tasks and decision-making, potentially at the expense of emotional awareness or expression.
Psychological Factors
- Traumatic Experiences: Individuals who have faced trauma or significant adversity may develop a practical approach to life as a coping mechanism, focusing on survival and problem-solving rather than processing emotional pain.
- Past Relationship Failures: Experiences of betrayal, disappointment, or hurt in previous relationships can lead a person to guard their emotions closely, prioritizing practical considerations in future relationships as a protective measure.
Professional and Educational Background
- STEM Fields and Rational Disciplines: Engagement in fields that emphasize logic and empirical evidence, such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, can reinforce a practical mindset, potentially sidelining emotional considerations.
- High-pressure Careers: Careers that demand constant problem-solving, decision-making under pressure, or financial management may require individuals to adopt a highly practical approach, minimizing emotional influences to meet objectives.
- Company of Highly Practical People: Being around highly practical individuals can lead to labelling emotions and feelings as stupid and foolish which usually don’t bring any visible outcomes.
Astrological Beliefs
Just as some signs are believed to be more emotionally driven, there are zodiac signs traditionally associated with a more practical, analytical outlook on life. Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) are often described as grounded and practical, focusing on material and tangible results. Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius), with their intellectual bent, can also display a preference for logical reasoning over emotional considerations. These astrological traits can influence individuals to prioritize practical outcomes, potentially sidelining their emotional needs or expressions.
What is the ideal state of mind?
A “right state of mind” often refers to a balanced, clear, and positive mental condition where an individual can effectively manage thoughts, emotions, and actions in a way that is beneficial to their well-being and conducive to achieving their goals. It encompasses both the capacity for practical reasoning and emotional understanding, operating in harmony. Imagine practicality and emotionality not as opposing forces but as complementary tools that, when balanced, contribute to a well-rounded and effective approach to life.
Practicality as the Eyes
Practicality can be likened to the eyes of a person. Just as eyes provide vision and help us navigate the physical world by allowing us to see obstacles and paths, practicality offers the clarity and discernment needed to make decisions, solve problems, and plan for the future. It helps an individual assess situations realistically, weigh options based on facts and logic, and act in ways that are most likely to yield positive outcomes.
- Example: A person deciding to save a portion of their income each month for emergency funds is using practicality. They understand the reality of potential future financial needs and take steps to mitigate risks, similar to how one would use their sight to avoid stumbling over an obstacle in their path.
Emotionality as the Support
On the other hand, emotionality is like the support system of a person. It encompasses empathy, compassion, and the capacity to connect with others on a deep emotional level. Just as a robust support system provides comfort, encouragement, and motivation during challenging times, emotionality enriches an individual’s life with meaning, fulfillment, and the joy of human connection.
- Example: When a friend is going through a tough time, offering a listening ear, understanding, and emotional support showcases the role of emotionality. It’s the emotional connection and empathy that strengthen relationships, much like a support system that holds a person up during their lowest moments.
The Right State of Mind: A Harmony of Practicality and Emotionality
A right state of mind is achieved when practicality and emotionality are in balance. It means having the foresight and clarity to make sound decisions (the vision) while also nurturing emotional intelligence to foster meaningful connections and personal well-being (the support).
- Example: Consider a professional deciding whether to accept a new job offer. A balanced state of mind would involve practical considerations such as the job’s benefits, salary, and career growth opportunities (practicality), alongside emotional aspects like job satisfaction, work-life balance, and the impact on family and personal happiness (emotionality).
In conclusion, a right state of mind resembles a well-lit path supported by strong pillars. The light allows us to see the way forward clearly (practicality), while the pillars ensure that the path is stable and supported, providing security and comfort (emotionality). This balanced approach enables individuals to navigate life’s complexities with wisdom, compassion, and effectiveness.
How to be practical in a relationship?
Being more practical in a relationship involves adopting strategies that enhance decision-making, problem-solving, and communication, all while maintaining emotional connection and understanding. Integrating a variety of factors, including awareness of zodiac sign traits, physiological practices, and lifestyle adjustments, can facilitate a more balanced approach. Here’s how to cultivate practicality in relationships:
Understand Your Zodiac Traits
- Zodiac Awareness: If you believe in astrology, understanding the traits associated with your zodiac sign can provide insights into your natural inclinations, strengths, and challenges in relationships. For instance, water signs might need to be mindful of their emotional depth, while earth signs might already lean towards practicality. Use this awareness to balance your approach.
Prioritize Listening
- Listen Actively: One of the most practical skills in a relationship is the ability to listen truly. Active listening involves fully concentrating on what is being said rather than passively hearing the message. This practice helps in understanding your partner’s perspective and addressing issues logically.
Maintain Physical Health
- Hormonal Balance: Hormones like estrogen and testosterone can influence our mood and outlook. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through diet, exercise, and possibly medical intervention (if needed) can help balance these hormones, promoting a more stable emotional state that supports practical decision-making.
Choose Your Company Wisely
- Influence of Company and Media: The people we spend time with and the media we consume can significantly influence our mindset. Engaging with individuals who embody a practical approach to life and consuming media that promotes rational thinking can inspire you to adopt similar habits in your relationship.
Set Clear Goals and Boundaries
- Goals and Boundaries: Define clear objectives for your relationship and personal life. Setting boundaries is also essential; it helps manage expectations and ensures that both partners respect each other’s needs and contributions.
Practice Active Balancing
- Regulate Emotions: While being in touch with your emotions is vital, learning to regulate them ensures they don’t overshadow practical considerations. Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and cognitive-behavioral strategies can aid in managing emotional responses.
- Seek Clarity – Often we make several assumptions in complicated situations many of which turn out to be wrong. Wrong assumptions lead to confusion and trigger emotional fight or flight response. In case when you can’t find any clarity make positive assumptions that benefit you and others.
- Balanced Breathing for Mental Balance: Practicing balanced breathing exercises can help regulate your emotional and physiological state, promoting a more centered and practical mindset. For example, alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana) is known to harmonize the left and right hemispheres of the brain, balancing emotional and logical thinking.
