It is the ability to really read and be aware of a situatoin I've heard the phrase know how to read the room so many times. It is the a way to be diplomatic in a situation at all times no matter how it may go. I us my (EI)with my girlfriend pretty often, there's plenty of times that I could've said something but I had to be diplomatic and read the room. I had to take myself out of that moment and see the future of our relationship. EI will save us a lot time and headaches for the future.