8 behaviors of people who think they’re smarter than they actually are (says psychology)

Some people exude confidence in their intelligence, but their actions might tell a different story.

According to psychology, those who overestimate their intellectual abilities often display specific behaviors that set them apart.

These habits, while subtle at times, can reveal a gap between how smart they think they are and how they actually come across.

In this article, we’ll explore eight key behaviors of people who think they’re smarter than they really are, offering insight into what drives their mindset:

1) Overcomplicating the simple

One telltale sign of people who believe they’re smarter than they actually are is their knack for making simple things complicated.

In their minds, complexity equates to intelligence.

So, they might take a straightforward task or concept and add unnecessary layers of complication.

For instance, when explaining something, they might use jargon or convoluted sentences, believing that this makes them appear more intelligent.

However, great intelligence often lies in the ability to simplify the complex, not complicate the simple.

It’s not about making others feel inferior or showing off, but it’s more about how they perceive intelligence and their desire to fit into that perception.

This can lead to convoluted discussions or tasks that could have been easily resolved or completed.

Understanding this behavior can help people navigate conversations with these individuals more effectively.

2) Underestimating others

Interestingly, people who consider themselves smarter than they are often tend to underestimate the intelligence or capabilities of others.

This isn’t necessarily a conscious decision, but it can manifest in the way they interact with people around them.

They might dismiss others’ ideas without giving them due consideration, assuming that their own perspectives are inherently superior.

They may also struggle to believe that someone else could solve a problem faster or more efficiently than they could.

Yet, this behavior doesn’t necessarily stem from a place of arrogance or disdain.

Rather, it can be a protective mechanism to maintain their self-perceived intellectual superiority—a way of shielding their self-esteem from potential threats.

While this might seem like an ineffective strategy, it’s essential to remember that everyone has their own unique strengths and intelligence types.

What’s crucial is to foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding, where each person’s ideas and contributions are valued.

3) Struggling with self-awareness

One of the hallmarks of people who think they’re smarter than they actually are is a lack of self-awareness.

They might have a distorted perception of their abilities and intelligence, which can result in overconfidence and the aforementioned behaviors.

It’s not uncommon for these individuals to struggle with recognizing their own weaknesses and areas for improvement.

This is partly explained by the ‘Dunning-Kruger effect,’ a cognitive bias where people with low ability at a task overestimate their ability.

But it’s important to note that self-awareness can be developed over time.

It involves honest self-reflection and a willingness to accept feedback from others.

By working on this, individuals who overestimate their intelligence can gain a more accurate understanding of their abilities, which can lead to personal growth and improved relationships.

4) Seeking constant validation

Behind the facade of intellectual superiority, there often lies a deep-seated need for validation.

People who think they’re smarter than they are might constantly seek approval and affirmation from others to confirm their self-perceived intelligence.

It can be exhausting and frustrating to deal with this behavior, especially when it feels like a constant need to prove something, but it’s worth remembering that this need for external validation often comes from a place of insecurity or self-doubt.

Instead of getting annoyed or dismissive, try to understand where they’re coming from.

It’s also beneficial to encourage them in areas where they truly excel and help them see that everyone has their unique strengths and weaknesses.

This can foster a healthier self-perception and reduce their reliance on external validation.

5) Being a know-it-all

We’ve all come across that person who always has to have the last word, or who seems to have an opinion or a fact about every single topic.

This ‘know-it-all’ attitude is another common behavior among people who overestimate their intelligence.

They feel the need to showcase their knowledge at every opportunity, often interrupting others or dominating conversations.

While it can be quite irksome, it’s crucial to remember that this is just another way they try to affirm their self-perceived intelligence.

But let’s be honest, we all have had moments where we’ve been a little too eager to share our knowledge or opinions.

So, while it’s easy to judge, it’s also a reminder that we all have our quirks and foibles.

The key lies in recognizing these behaviors and working on them for better communication and relationships.

6) Avoiding asking for help

Another behavior that is commonly observed in people who think they’re smarter than they actually are is an aversion to asking for help.

They might see it as a sign of weakness or an admission that they don’t know something, which in their eyes, could tarnish their image of being the ‘smartest’ one.

I remember a friend of mine who was so determined to assemble a piece of furniture all by himself: Despite struggling for hours and clearly needing assistance, he refused to ask for help or even look at the manual.

His pride in his intelligence and abilities wouldn’t let him admit that he could use some help.

This shows how it’s not always about being the smartest but about being open to learning and accepting help when needed.

After all, no one knows everything, and there’s always room for growth and learning.

7) Failure to admit mistakes

Let’s get real for a moment: We all make mistakes—it’s a part of being human.

However, individuals who think they’re smarter than they are, often struggle to own up to their errors.

They might rationalize their mistakes, blame others, or even twist facts to make it seem like they were right all along.

It can be hard to deal with such behavior but, the truth is, there’s no growth without acknowledging one’s missteps.

Whether it’s a miscalculation on a project or a social faux pas, taking responsibility is the first step towards learning and improvement.

If they’re in this boat, it’s time to put their ego aside and accept that they, too, can be wrong sometimes.

It won’t make the person any less smart; in fact, admitting their mistakes is a sign of maturity and wisdom.

8) Valuing intelligence over other qualities

At the end of the day, the most significant behavior of people who think they’re smarter than they actually are is placing too much emphasis on intelligence.

They tend to value it above all other qualities, sometimes neglecting aspects like empathy, kindness, and emotional intelligence.

But intelligence isn’t the be-all and end-all. Each one of us is a unique blend of various strengths and qualities that make us who we are.

Being smart can be a great asset, but it’s equally important to be kind, understanding, and empathetic.

As they navigate through life, they should remember that their worth is not defined by how smart they or others think they are.

Rather, it’s about how they treat people, their willingness to learn and grow, and the positive impact they make in the world—that’s what truly matters.

Conclusion

Taking a step back to reflect on our actions and behaviors is a mark of genuine intelligence.

Remember, intelligence is not just about knowing facts or being the fastest to solve problems but also centers on emotional intelligence, the ability to learn from mistakes, and the humility to accept that we don’t have all the answers.

At the end of the day, it’s about being open-minded, respectful of others’ ideas, and continuously striving to learn and grow.

Here’s to embracing our strengths, acknowledging our weaknesses, and leading lives marked by wisdom and understanding!