I doubt it is a trade off. Perhaps learning to apply one's IQ in another more efficient way when dealing with others would be a result of higher EQ. I have learned ways to interact so that I do not always seem as brusque or sarcastic at others. I draw the line at pandering to the hypersensitive. I told the one i see I did not want to turn into some crying, hugging, kumbaya singing, hand-holding, syruppy, over sharing, super sensitive whacko as a result of therapy. She indicated she was good but not a miracle worker. And then said something about middle ground being possible, blah blah blah.