People Who Almost Always Avoid Anyone They Know In Public Usually Have These 11 Highly Intelligent Traits
PeopleImages | Shutterstock You've probably been there: You're walking around in the grocery store and make eye contact with an old teacher, a co-worker, or an acquaintance you haven't seen in years. There's a sense of tension and awkwardness before you even open up a conversation. Most of us are walking away and avoiding them completely, whether it's to protect our comfort or to avoid a time-consuming conversation that throws off our schedule.
However, sometimes, these social decisions are more nuanced than that. For example, people who almost always avoid anyone they know in public usually have certain highly intelligent traits. From being socially aware to operating from a task-oriented mindset, avoiding these conversations might actually be a sign that you're operating on a higher wavelength from everyone else.
People who almost always avoid anyone they know in public usually have these 11 highly intelligent traits
1. They dislike small talk
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Many intelligent people have a preference for deep, meaningful conversations over superficial small talk. That's part of the reason why they may almost always avoid people they know in public. They'd prefer to save their social battery and energy for a conversation that provides value and depth over performance and small talk.
They don't want to feel pressured to show a fake interest in someone's life or perform enthusiasm for someone they're not actually excited about.
2. They're socially aware
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People who are socially aware are always cognizant of the energy in social spaces and the vibe of passing conversations. They not only know how to read the room, they also know when a conversation isn't necessarily required or productive enough to make time for.
Even if it's a skill as simple as reading someone else's body language and understanding that they're not looking to interact with anyone, this is the kind of socially aware behavior that informs whether or not they open up a conversation or acknowledge either presence.
3. They're introverted
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Especially for introverted people, too much superficial small talk and social interaction can quickly drain their social battery. That's why they need to be intentional about who they choose to interact with and how much social time they need before agreeing to social plans and events.
If they're self-aware, they're always cognizant of how drained their social battery is, informing the interactions they make space for navigating daily life. People who almost always avoid anyone they know in public may simply be intelligent and smart about who they drain their battery for. If a conversation isn't going to be productive or is not necessary, they're perfectly okay with accepting fewer social interactions and avoiding them.
4. They're deep thinkers
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Many intelligent, intuitive, and introverted people are naturally wired toward depth. Whether it's in their conversations with others or amid solitude where they have the chance to reflect on their experiences, they're always seeking depth and distracted by the allure of curiosity.
They're always mid-thought, motivated, performing specific tasks, and prefer not to be distracted by unnecessary, superficial conversations in public.
5. They don't need external validation
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Many people who don't need constant validation from others to feel secure are more likely to live independently, without opening up unnecessary conversations or seeking attention in random interactions. They don't need to be "seen" by everyone else all the time to feel secure, because they're internally fulfilled and gratified.
The most intelligent people may come across as the most humble, but that doesn't mean that their self-assuredness and confidence aren't still informing their decisions and actions.
6. They respect privacy
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Much like they respect their own privacy, silence, and alone time, people who almost always avoid anyone they know in public also have that same respect for other people. They don't feel the need to force a conversation or point out someone's presence, especially if they know it will invade their privacy and feel unnecessarily awkward.
While we often think about privacy as something to protect online or respect in regard to personal information, it's just as important in social spaces.
7. They're independent
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According to a study from Social Psychological and Personality Science, many people with higher IQs are more self-directed. They're more confident in navigating solitude and alone time because they don't need other people to feel secure. They're naturally independent.
That's why people who almost always avoid anyone they know in public usually have these highly intelligent traits. They don't need social interaction or other people to feel confident and comfortable, so they can run errands and be in public without unnecessary conversations.
8. They're comfortable with discomfort
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While it's true that an intelligent person is often more regulated in dealing with discomfort, that doesn't always mean they're opening up awkward conversations for the sake of it. They're comfortable with silence and a few glances at each other that might feel uncomfortable, but that doesn't mean they're going to walk over and spark up a conversation.
Their emotional intelligence, like self-awareness and regulation skills, reassures them that they don't need to have unnecessary conversations or interactions to appease their self-image. They follow what seems right for them, even if it defies certain social norms and constructs.
9. They're authentic
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As a study from Personality and Individual Differences explains, authenticity is naturally magnetic because it cultivates more productive conversations and healthier relationships. We're drawn to people who are uniquely themselves. Especially for intelligent people who prefer deep conversations, being around people who mirror their authenticity is important.
People who almost avoid anyone they know in public, especially acquaintances they wouldn't necessarily choose to spend their personal time with, usually have these traits. They're not only drawn to authenticity, but they're authentic people themselves. They're not interested in pursuing or opening up performative conversations based on misleading kindness and social constructs that don't add value to their lives.
10. They know how to read the room
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Naturally socially aware, intuitive people know how to read the room. They know when conversations are worth pursuing and when interactions are better left untouched.
If they're running errands or spending time in public and they notice someone they know, they're not going to start an unnecessary conversation that throws their personal schedule off or forces an awkward interaction.
11. They're task-oriented
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People who are task-oriented and focused on living their lives at their own pace are less likely to interact with people they know in public if they're in a time crunch. They're focused on what they have to accomplish and the task at hand, not having unnecessary conversations with acquaintances.
People who almost always avoid anyone they know in public usually have these highly intelligent traits. It ensures that they meet expectations and act efficiently without distractions.
Zayda Slabbekoorn is a senior editorial strategist with a bachelor's degree in social relations & policy and gender studies who focuses on psychology, relationships, self-help, and human interest stories.
