8 subtle signs that you are more intelligent than the average person, says a psych expert

Intelligence isn’t always about test scores or academic achievements—it If you’ve ever wondered if you’re more intelligent than the average person, you’re not alone—many of us question our intellectual capabilities at times.

However, intelligence isn’t always about test scores or academic achievements as it often reveals itself in subtle, everyday behaviors and ways of thinking.

Some signs of above-average intelligence might go unnoticed, even by the person who possesses them.

As a psych expert, I’ve observed some subtle signs that could indicate higher intelligence—they may not be what you’d expect, and some might even surprise you!

So buckle up, because these eight subtle traits can indicate that you’re more intelligent than the average person, even if you don’t realize it:

1) You’re a curious cat

Ever heard the phrase “curiosity killed the cat”?

Well, when it comes to intelligence, curiosity actually fuels it; if you’ve always found yourself inquisitive and eager to learn about everything and anything, this could be a sign that you’re more intelligent than the average person.

Being curious is about wanting to know how things work and understanding the world around you, questioning the status quo, and looking for ways to better yourself and others.

Curiosity pushes you to continuously learn and grow, which is a fundamental aspect of intelligence.

By asking questions and seeking answers, you’re stimulating your mind and broadening your horizons.

Moreover, highly intelligent individuals tend to ask deeper, more thought-provoking questions that go beyond the surface level.

2) You embrace your mistakes

While many people dread making mistakes and view them as a sign of weakness or failure, individuals with higher intelligence often see mistakes as learning opportunities.

Instead of beating themselves up over a misstep, they analyze what went wrong and how they can improve.

On the contrary, highly intelligent people are willing to take calculated risks and step outside their comfort zone because they understand that real growth comes from experience, and sometimes, that involves stumbling along the way.

It takes a smart person to acknowledge their flaws and learn from them.

3) You enjoy your own company

Spending time alone allows for self-reflection, deep thinking, and creativity—all qualities associated with intelligence.

Alone time can be a space for innovative ideas and solutions to spring forth, unaffected by external influences.

This is not to say that intelligent people are loners or avoid social interactions—they can enjoy a good social gathering just as much as anyone else.

However, they also understand the importance of having some quality time with their thoughts and ideas.

4) You’re sensitive to others’ feelings

If you’ve ever found yourself deeply moved by someone else’s joy or sorrow, or if you’ve ever felt the pain of a loved one like it was your own, this could be a subtle sign of your intelligence.

Emotional intelligence, a type of intelligence often overlooked, involves understanding and managing not only your emotions but also the emotions of others.

Being emotionally intelligent means being attuned to what others are going through and responding with compassion and understanding, and being there for people in their moments of need and celebrating their victories, big or small.

5) You’re an early bird or a night owl

Whether you’re up at the crack of dawn or burning the midnight oil, unconventional sleep patterns could indicate higher intelligence.

Early birds are known for being proactive and getting a head start on their day—on the other hand, night owls often indulge in deep thought and creativity when the world around them is quiet.

Finding yourself more productive and active during these off-peak hours could be a sign that your brain is wired a bit differently.

In a sense, it’s about finding the rhythm that best suits your intellectual needs.

6) You’re adaptable to change

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns—for some, change can be distressing and unsettling but, for others, it’s just another opportunity to learn and grow.

I remember a friend who was suddenly laid off from his job: While most would panic in such a situation, he saw it as an opportunity to explore a new career path that he’d always been interested in.

Instead of dwelling on the loss, he focused on the potential gain.

Adapting to change is having the mental agility to adjust your plans and expectations based on the circumstances—seeing the silver lining even when things don’t go as planned.

7) You’re not afraid of hard work

Let’s face it, intelligence is about putting in the hard work to turn those ideas into reality.

True intelligence understands that success isn’t handed on a silver platter but, rather, earned through blood, sweat, and tears.

It knows that setbacks are inevitable and that failure is not the end but rather a stepping stone to success.

If you’re someone who perseveres in the face of adversity, who doesn’t shy away from effort and hard work, give yourself a pat on the back.

8) You value knowledge over validation

Finally, if you’re someone who values knowledge and understanding more than the approval or praise of others, this is a significant sign of higher intelligence.

Genuinely valuing knowledge means you’re driven by an intrinsic desire to learn and grow rather than external validation.

Intelligent individuals understand that the pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong journey—they’re in it for the satisfaction of quenching their intellectual curiosity.

Remember, intelligence is about being open to new experiences, ideas and perspectives, and having a thirst for knowledge that’s never fully quenched.

Conclusion

Intelligence is multifaceted—it’s not just about academics or IQ, as it’s found in curiosity, emotional depth, adaptability, and more.

Being more intelligent than average simply means you see and engage with the world differently.

This article highlights subtle signs of higher intelligence, but everyone’s intellectual journey is unique—embracing your strengths is about self-awareness and using your potential to live a fulfilling life.

Here’s to celebrating intelligence in all its forms and using it to grow, empathize, and understand!