Powerful Lesson in Emotional Intelligence from Jenny Sanford
Social and emotional skills serve governor's wife well in time of trouble
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Barbara Walters and the rest of us got a powerful lesson in how emotional intelligence sustains us in tough times when Jenny Sanford, the wife of South Carolina's governor was interviewed for the ABC-TV special on the year's most fascinating people.
Without flinching from the scrutiny that has plagued her family since Mark Sanford's clandestine affair with an Argentine woman was revealed, Jenny Sanford said that her husband's betrayal had consequences for her but did not diminish who she is and what she stands for. She was honest and dignified - "It hurt" to hear that he considered another woman and not her his soulmate, the marriage faces "significant obstacles," she can forgive but forgetting is something else. She said she would not have stood by his side publicly when he apologized for his behavior - even if he'd asked her.
By being so self aware, and managing her emotions - not hiding them! - Jenny Sanford seems to have maintained the equilibrium she needs to stay strong for herself and her four sons despite these difficulties.
Related topics: How to give your kids the social and emotional skills to sustain them in tough times
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It certainly takes, not only
It certainly takes, not only courage, but a sense of knowing oneself to make the kind of decision Jenny Sanford did. I think that is why she is considered a fascinating person because in this situation, she's taking the road less traveled. At WINGS, we teach kids to learn about their strengths and weaknesses. Jenny Sanford seems to feel very comfortable expressing her strength of forgivenss, and knowing she can't forget.