If Doing Any Of These 11 Things Annoys You, You Likely Have Unusually High Intelligence
Krakenimages.com | Shutterstock While being intelligent is often associated with curiosity, problem-solving, and success, there are some shortcomings. Research suggests that highly intelligent people may get irritated more easily, and to the people around them, this can be quite off-putting. But despite being easily miffed, whether it's by loud environments or small talk, if doing any of these things annoys you, you likely have unusually high intelligence.
Because intelligent individuals are so logic-based and follow certain thinking patterns, they're often frustrated by things that normal people find entertaining or have no reaction to. They likely don't realize how they're coming off to others, but they shouldn't worry, because feeling annoyed with some very specific behaviors just shows how smart they are.
If doing any of these 11 things annoys you, you likely have unusually high intelligence
1. Participating in small talk that goes nowhere
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Nobody likes laughing awkwardly as someone pulls them aside for a chat. If someone were to ask the average person if they enjoyed small talk, they'd probably say no. But if small talk truly infuriates you, it isn't just mere discomfort; rather, it's a sign of intelligence.
For better or worse, people with high intelligence dig deep. With their thoughts swirling constantly, they can't stand surface-level conversation. As psychiatrist Carrie Barron pointed out, when people have meaningful conversations with each other, it tends to boost their mood. Even if it's uncomfortable, try digging a bit deeper. It's a huge way to connect with one another and entertain those who are intelligent.
2. Repeating yourself to people who aren't listening
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Whether it's having to ask a question multiple times or giving a response over and over again, if doing any of these things annoys you, you likely have unusually high intelligence. Even if the other person genuinely missed what was said, the average person may inwardly roll their eyes but move on from the slight inconvenience.
But for intellectuals, it isn't just about inconvenience. Many intelligent people are frustrated by feeling unheard. During a civil discussion, genuine bonding occurs when we truly listen to one another. But the less a person feels heard, the more annoyed they become. Because feeling silenced is never a pleasant experience.
3. Indecisive people
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People can be pretty indecisive. From what they want to eat to picking out what to wear, the average person is more likely to struggle to make a decision.
According to psychology professor Deacon Joseph Ferrari, "Indecision is a type of chronic procrastination, and it happens when someone has to make an important, often stressful decision, but they feel overwhelmed by the number of choices and end up searching for information and claim they never got around to making the final decision. These individuals are not lazy; they just do everything to avoid making a tough decision."
If there's one thing intelligent people like, it's efficiency. So, they're quick to grow annoyed at those who are hesitant. While it may seem rude, they find that indecisive behavior harmful to their well-being.
4. People who confuse confidence with competence
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As most people would attest, having the confidence to say what's on your mind is one of the greatest characteristics to possess. Even so, many people confuse confidence with being right, which is very annoying to smart people.
If someone is spouting nonsense and what they're saying isn't making sense, an intelligent person isn't afraid to call it how they see it. Regardless of how others feel, if someone is wrong, they're wrong. Of course, they won't cause trouble if it isn't worth the headache, but intelligent individuals will put people in their place.
5. Loud environments when you're trying to think
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In a noisy environment with many things to get done, there are two types of people: those who adapt to it and those who hate it. It isn't just a mild annoyance, though, as those who are intelligent tend to be introverted and find loud environments distracting to their thinking.
Not only is it frustrating, but it also causes them to think less clearly. As psychiatrist Judith Orloff explained, "Studies show that noise has a powerful physical effect on our brains and can increase stress, insomnia, anxiety, and agitation, and aggravate hypertension and heart disease. Being chronically exposed to toxic noise can cause stress hormones to rise, which decreases our immunity and peace of mind."
6. Being interrupted mid-thought
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People don't always mean to do this, but it's all too normal for people to cut off others mid-thought. Not realizing how distracted they are, they'll eagerly approach them, causing the average person to lose focus. And while the average person doesn't let this get to them, if being interrupted in the middle of a sentence annoys you, you likely have unusually high intelligence.
Intelligent people are always in their heads. Whether it's thinking about politics or random historical facts, their mind is constantly wandering. They hate being interrupted, and even if others don't mean to, it completely throws them off for the rest of the day.
7. Overly emotional people
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Highly intelligent people don't mix well with overly emotional individuals. From being inconsolable to not being able to control their outbursts, emotional people tend to wreak havoc without realizing it. So, intelligent people distance themselves as much as possible.
They understand the consequences of those who are too emotional. And as psychologist Nick Wignall explained, people can feel emotional for all sorts of reasons, including chronic worry, unchecked expectations, and feeling unclear about their values.
8. People who think they're always right
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There's nothing more frustrating than someone who thinks they know it all. But highly intelligent people understand that there are different perspectives. No opinion outweighs the other, and sometimes, coming together as a collective leads to better solutions.
It's crucial to always hear one another. Those who bury their head in the sand almost always end up isolating themselves and their growth. Intelligent people are very annoyed by this, which is why they have a tendency to avoid these individuals at all costs.
9. Vague instructions
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If there's one thing that annoys intelligent people, it's uncertainty. While it may not always be easy to avoid, they do their best to be on top of things and try to be understanding, but if someone is going to ask them for something, the least they can do is be specific.
If they aren't clear with what they want or what needs to be done, expect intelligent people to give side-eye. As psychotherapist Amy Morin revealed, communication challenges are usually a result of misunderstandings, which can create unnecessary conflict and emotional turmoil. To avoid this, intelligent people always ask for clarification.
10. People who talk in circles
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Intelligent people do their best not to be rude. However, there's only so much patience they have. They understand that people get caught up in their own heads, but getting so immersed in a topic or point leads to more time wasted, which is one of the quickest ways to set an intelligent person off.
With ease, intelligent people shuffle in and redirect the conversation. While they'd love to sit there and talk all day, they do have things to get to. And having a conversation that's going nowhere is sure to waste their time.
11. People who never question 'why'
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Most people never question the hows and whys of the world around them. Whether it's their opinions or what others tell them, they blindly believe. But intelligent people know better and think for themselves, which is why they're quick to push back and ask important questions.
However, they often drive themselves insane because of their open-minded nature and constant flow of thinking. But they just can't help themselves. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, openness is linked to intelligence, so it's no wonder smart people are always questioning things.
Marielisa Reyes is a writer with a bachelor's degree in psychology who covers self-help, relationships, career, family, and astrology topics.
