11 Fascinating Ways Truly Brilliant People Treat You Without You Even Noticing
Perfect Wave | Shutterstock Genuinely intelligent people rarely feel the need to prove themselves to others. Instead, their brilliance shows through in how they move through the world and how they treat the people around them. It may not be too noticeable right away, but they can quietly influence your life by the way they support, listen, and challenge you.
There are some fascinating ways truly brilliant people tend to treat others without them even noticing. These small behaviors usually leave a lasting impact, even more so than grand gestures. Once you start to recognize these behaviors, you'll never see these people the same way again.
Here are 11 fascinating ways truly brilliant people treat you without you even noticing
1. They listen more than they speak
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Truly brilliant people will never speak over someone because they understand how offensive that can be, especially when the person they're talking to doesn't usually speak much in the first place. They're more than happy to absorb everything you have to say, and the only time they are likely to speak up is when they want to ask you a question or want you to expand on something you said.
After all, truly brilliant people often take up leadership roles. Research has found that leaders who exhibit strong listening skills are usually seen as more influential and trustworthy.
2. They ask thoughtful questions
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One thing about brilliant people is that their curiosity never ends, which is why they're also the ones to not only ask simple questions, but they ask questions that truly require deep thought. They want to push the conversation forward into a deeper level of thinking. They can't just have a casual conversation without them feeling the need to add some philosophical question in there or something that'll make you introspective.
Not only do they have these kinds of conversations with their friends, but they aren't afraid to have them with strangers, too. Deep conversations with strangers tend to be more enjoyable and less awkward than short, casual ones. They also create stronger feelings of connection between the people communicating.
3. They give advice only when asked
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Another thing about brilliant people in conversations is that, since they're prone to listening more and digging deeper into what the other person is getting at, they don't give their advice unless they are asked for it, since they would much rather have this person learn from their own experience. When someone asks for their advice, they won't hold back on the harsh truth.
The reason they typically don't volunteer advice is that they won't sugarcoat the reality of the situation and will tell you straight up what you need to do to change yourself or do better. They will never want to beat around the bush. These are the type of people that you can rely on to tell you the truth about something. They won't lie to your face when asked if something you did made you look stupid or if your outfit doesn't suit you.
4. They remember little details
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Truly brilliant people will always want to find a small way to make you smile or feel better, even if that means remembering the little details. Although you might have forgotten something you mentioned, they will make sure to reference it in the future to show they truly listen to you during your conversations.
When someone brings up small details from the past, it makes the interaction much more meaningful for the other person and significantly enhances its perceived value. By really paying attention to what someone is saying, this person fosters deeper relationships in everyday interactions.
5. They subtly encourage your potential
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Brilliant people have the ability to push you towards becoming your best self without making you feel pressured. They don't only want you to succeed in life, but watching you flourish can also be rewarding to them simply by knowing that they were able to help you throughout your journey.
These types of people aren't malicious in any way, shape, or form, so they will always be the ones cheering you on when you take the first steps to being happier in life. They guide you constructively, strengthening your independence and confidence. Being around these people will make you believe in yourself a little more, and that belief will later become a powerful force in your life.
6. They make you feel smart too
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There are a lot of brilliant people out there who thrive on making others feel less than them, but there are a certain few who will never want to make others feel stupid. If anything, truly brilliant people will make their friends and the people they talk to feel as smart as they are.
The difference between truly brilliant people and those who show off is that they don't want to dominate a conversation; they want to be part of it. So instead of correcting people every other second, they make others feel confident in their own thoughts and abilities.
7. They don't hesitate to take accountability
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One of the most significant signs that someone is truly brilliant is their ability to own up to their mistakes without using any excuses or getting defensive. These types of people understand that accountability is not a weakness but rather a strength that many people lack. They would much rather admit when they're clearly in the wrong than to protect their ego.
Not only do they truly apologize as they mean it, but they also take the extra step to actually learn from it and change their behavior. This further proves that they value growth more than being right. Mistakes help us move forward and grow.
8. They can stay calm during a conflict
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When tension rises, truly brilliant people know better than to lose control and let the anger talk for them. They have learned how to stay grounded and listen to other perspectives before they chime in to give their two cents.
They also know that it's better to speak logically than emotionally if they want the conversation to advance and reach an agreement. By using a calm presence, they allow others to calm down too, which can help make disagreements feel manageable. Brilliant people always keep their eyes on the goal and focus on solving the problem rather than winning an argument.
9. They don't gossip about you
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Truly brilliant people know how damaging gossip can be, especially when it comes from their own friends. So when it comes to tearing others down just to boost themselves up, they would rather not say anything at all.
Even when they unknowingly get dragged into drama, they will shut it down quickly or simply walk away. Loyalty to them actually means something, so you will always be able to trust that something said between you two will be kept a secret.
10. They give you space when needed
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Having time to yourself is extremely important. Sometimes you just need to rewind and refresh by yourself, which is something that truly brilliant people will always understand. They will never take it personally when you cancel plans because you need a self-care day or simply aren't in the mood to talk to anyone.
These types of people will never make you feel guilty for saying no to plans. If anything, they understand completely where you're coming from. They know to respect boundaries and to return once you're ready, knowing that healthy relationships let each other breathe rather than suffocate.
11. They leave you feeling inspired
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When you surround yourself with truly brilliant people, it will start to rub off on you. They involve you in conversations that leave you feeling inspired and ready to conquer the world. There are some friend groups that, after a hangout, you end up leaving tired and drained, but with brilliant people, you leave more energized than before.
Brilliant people have the ability to spark motivation and remind you of your own potential, and sometimes, weeks or months may go by, and you will still find yourself thinking about something they said during a conversation. This kind of impact stays with you for longer than you're actually around them.
Having truly brilliant people in your life can transform how you think and live. They help you grow as a person without trying to turn you into their mini-me. They thrive on seeing others realize their full potential and gently encourage them to aim for greater things in life through meaningful conversations and friendly hangouts.
Doreen Albuerne is a writer with a bachelor's degree in journalism, covering relationships, mental health, and lifestyle topics.
