Emotional Bank Account

In the book - The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Stephen Covey uses the metaphor of an "Emotional Bank Account" to illustrate the significance of trust and positive interactions in relationships. Similar to a financial bank account, where deposits and withdrawals are made, the emotional bank account is built through consistent positive interactions and trust-building behaviors.

·         Deposits: Acts of kindness, honesty, empathy, understanding, and keeping commitments are considered deposits into the emotional bank account. These actions strengthen the trust and goodwill in a relationship.

·         Withdrawals: Negative behaviors such as dishonesty, disrespect, broken promises, and hurtful actions result in withdrawals from the emotional bank account, leading to decreased trust and strained relationships.

Covey's idea is that maintaining a healthy balance in the emotional bank account is crucial for building strong, positive relationships. Just as financial savings provide a safety net during challenging times, a well-nurtured emotional bank account allows individuals to weather relationship challenges and conflicts more effectively.