9 counterintuitive signs of a highly intelligent person, says a psychologist

Have you ever met someone who didn’t fit the textbook image of intelligence—no stacks of degrees or flashy accomplishments—but left you quietly amazed by how they think, speak, or navigate life?

Intelligence often hides in plain sight, showing up in ways you’d never expect.

It’s not always about solving complex equations or dazzling with vocabulary; sometimes, it’s in the quirks, the habits, or even the traits that seem completely counterintuitive.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your own unique traits might signal a sharper mind than you give yourself credit for, you’re in the right place.

Let’s dive into nine surprising signs of high intelligence, straight from the insights of a psychologist.

1) A tendency towards forgetfulness

You might think that an intelligent person would have a sharp memory, right? In reality, it’s not always that simple.

According to my observations as a psychologist, some highly intelligent individuals can be quite forgetful – and there’s a reason for this.

Intelligent minds are often busy minds. They’re juggling numerous ideas, thoughts, and theories all at once.

This mental juggling act can mean that mundane details – like where they left their keys – can slip through the cracks.

It’s not that these individuals have a poor memory. Rather, their focus is directed towards more complex, abstract information.

2) Preference for night-time

When you think of someone who stays up late, your mind might conjure up images of partygoers or procrastinators.

However, that’s not always the case.

Research has shown that people who prefer to stay up late and do their best work in the wee hours are often more intelligent.

This is something I’ve personally seen in my own life. I’ve always been a night owl.

While others are fast asleep, I find that late at night is when my ideas are freshest and my productivity is at its peak.

In fact, many highly intelligent individuals I’ve worked with have similar schedules. They thrive in the quiet hours when the world is asleep, using this time to delve into their thoughts and work on their projects.

3) They enjoy their own company

Intelligent individuals often value solitude over socializing. While many might see this as being introverted or antisocial, it’s quite the contrary.

Intelligent people often find that they do their best thinking when they’re alone. The quiet allows them to:

• Process information
• Reflect
• Problem-solve without distractions

A study conducted by the British Journal of Psychology found that highly intelligent people had lower life satisfaction the more frequently they socialized with friends.

This suggests that intelligent individuals gain more satisfaction from spending time alone than from social interactions.

4) They’re adaptable

Change can be challenging for many people. We tend to find comfort in our routines and predictability.

However, intelligent individuals often thrive in change.

Highly intelligent people are usually quick to adapt. They have a natural ability to understand and adjust to new situations, people, or environments. They see change as an opportunity for growth rather than a threat.

This adaptability comes from their ability to:

• Think critically
• Solve problems
• Learn quickly

Whether it’s a change in their personal life or a shift in their work environment, they can adjust their strategies and actions to fit the new circumstances.

5) They’re constantly curious

Highly intelligent individuals have an insatiable thirst for knowledge.

They’re not content with just understanding the surface of a topic; they want to dive deep.

Their curiosity goes beyond academic or professional interests. They’re curious about people, places, events, and ideas. They:

• Ask questions
• Seek answers
• Are always eager to learn something new

This constant curiosity drives their desire to understand the world around them.

They don’t just accept information as it is; they question it, analyze it, and draw their own conclusions.

6) They value deep connections

In the world we live in, it’s easy to have a multitude of surface-level relationships. Intelligent individuals, however, often seek more than that.

They value deep, meaningful connections with people. They’re not interested in small talk or casual friendships.

Instead, they crave relationships where they can have thoughtful discussions, share ideas and learn from one another.

These individuals see relationships not just as a social necessity but as a chance to grow, to understand different perspectives, and to create bonds that last.

7) They embrace failure

Failure is something that many of us fear. It can be a blow to our ego, a dent in our confidence.

However, for the highly intelligent, failure is seen in a different light.

Intelligent people understand that failure is an integral part of success. It’s not a dead end, but rather a stepping stone on the path to improvement.

In my early career as a psychologist, I struggled with setbacks. Each failure felt like a personal defeat.

But over time, I started to see these failures as lessons, as opportunities to learn and grow.

Intelligent individuals often have this perspective from the get-go. They’re not afraid to take risks, make mistakes or face failure because they know it’s all part of the journey to success.

8) They’re open-minded

In a world full of diverse opinions and perspectives, being open-minded is a valuable trait. And it’s one that highly intelligent individuals often possess.

Intelligent people understand that their knowledge and understanding of the world is limited. They’re open to new ideas, different viewpoints and are willing to change their mind when presented with compelling evidence.

They don’t cling to their beliefs out of pride or stubbornness. Instead, they’re willing to question, learn and evolve.

9) They practice self-reflection

One of the most telling signs of a highly intelligent individual is the habit of self-reflection.

Intelligent people are often introspective. They take time to understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. They:

• Question their actions
• Scrutinize their motivations
• Learn from their past

This practice of self-reflection helps them to grow personally and intellectually. It allows them to make better decisions, improve their relationships, and lead more fulfilling lives.

Self-reflection isn’t just about understanding oneself. It’s about improving oneself.

Final thoughts: Intelligence is multifaceted

Intelligence is a kaleidoscope of qualities—sometimes subtle, sometimes surprising, and often misunderstood.

The traits we explored today remind us that being highly intelligent doesn’t always look like what society expects.

It’s not just about IQ scores or conventional markers of success; it’s about how you see the world, solve problems, and connect with others.

If you recognized yourself or someone you know in these counterintuitive signs, take it as a quiet affirmation: intelligence often reveals itself in ways that can’t be measured on paper.

Embrace these traits, nurture them, and remember that the true power of intelligence lies in how you use it to grow, adapt, and make the world a little better.

After all, the smartest among us aren’t just thinkers—they’re the ones who dare to question, reflect, and explore the beauty in being wonderfully, uniquely human.