EXCLUSIVE: I'm a psychologist - here are 9 subtle signs your partner lacks emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence, or emotional quotient (EQ), has become a buzz phrase in recent years as part of a wider trend of'therapy talk' being used in day-to-day conversations. But relationship experts say a mismatch in EQ is often the source of breakdowns in marriages and partnerships. One of the first problems in most relationships on the rocks is a lack of communication, according to psychologist Dr. Scott Lyons, and a key part of communication is emotional intelligence. 'Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one's own emotions,' he told DailyMail.com. He said that while you might be able to have fun with a romantic partner who has low EQ, the connection may not go much deeper.