Good post highlighting Emotional Intelligence, which is the way of the future. Emotional Intelligence or the presence/lack there of can be the deciding factor in a violent confrontation, in a relationship (regardless if its intimate or let's say with a neighbor), in pretty much everything we do. It lets us interpret the news in a way that leads to understanding through empathy.
It's not just about you though and ultimately the benefit to yourself is lesser than the benefit to others, particularly if you are in a job where you interact with the public on a regular basis. Emotional Intelligence is about how you relate to others; can you put yourself in the shoes of others, even if you have nothing in common on the surface?
Thanks for your interesting comment - you are right. EQ is important in a lot more factors of our life than we think.
You have to be able to put yourself in the other person's shoes, EVEN if it's a completely different opinion than your own!