Hey there, I’m Tina Fey—no, not that Tina Fey. (Though if she wants to co-author something with me, I’m free on Tuesdays!)
I’m the founder of Love Connection and a full-time writer at the Blog Herald. Over the years, I’ve been diving deep into the world of psychology, self-improvement, and all those mental wonders that make us click, tick, and occasionally trip over our own feet.
In my research, I’ve found that intelligence doesn’t always look like what we expect. Sometimes, the biggest brainiacs feel like the biggest klutzes in the smarts department.
If you’ve ever caught yourself saying, “I can’t possibly have a high IQ,” stick around. You might be showing off your brilliance in unexpected ways.
1. You Ask “Why?” a Lot
Ever been the annoying kid (or adult) who peppers every conversation with “Why?” That constant curiosity is a giant, flashing sign of a sharp mind. If you can’t help dissecting every detail, you might be a bigger smarty-pants than you realize.
For example, when I was younger, I once asked the family doctor at least ten questions about ear infections—my mom practically had to drag me out of the office.
Curiosity might have killed the cat, but for us humans, it’s usually a sign of an active, high-octane brain.
A curious mind is always in learning mode, which is a clear mark of high intelligence.
2. You Enjoy a Quiet Space
Although I’m a pretty talkative person (I blame my job—words are my life), I’ve also noticed that I crave quiet moments like a bee craves pollen.
Does that sound familiar to you? Needing space and solitude doesn’t make you a recluse; it often means you have a lot going on upstairs. People with higher IQs sometimes retreat to process thoughts or reset from the noise of the world.
Maybe you disappear into your bedroom for an hour to mull over new ideas or read in peace. That inner world can be a sign that you’re more brilliant than you know.
3. You Self-Criticize (A Little Too Much)
I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve second-guessed my own writing. (“Is this article too long? Too short? Does it even make sense?!”) It’s normal to question your choices, but if you’re consistently your own toughest critic, it might be because your mind is on overdrive.
High IQ folks often hold themselves to lofty standards—they pick everything apart in search of perfection.
Don’t let this self-criticism turn into self-doubt. Recognize it as a sign of a busy brain, not a flaw.
4. You’re Scarily Good at Spotting Patterns
Ever notice how you’re the one who figures out the twist in a movie 30 minutes before everyone else? Or you guess who the masked singer is the moment they open their mouth?
Spotting patterns and connecting dots quickly can be a huge indicator of high IQ. It’s like having a mental detective on standby.
My friends refuse to watch crime shows with me because I’ll call out the culprit before the first commercial break. (It’s both a gift and a curse.)
5. You Love Being Around Different Types of People
Yes, high intelligence can sometimes make you crave alone time, but there’s another side to the coin: You enjoy diverse company.
Interacting with people from all walks of life—young, old, different cultures, different life views—stimulates your brain. It feeds your curiosity and sparks new insights.
Intelligent folks often thrive on fresh perspectives. That’s why you can jump from discussing the latest sci-fi series with your neighbor to chatting politics with your grandparents without missing a beat.
6. You Joke… A Lot
A sense of humor can be a big sign of high intelligence. Quick wit, clever comebacks, and the ability to see the funny side of a situation?
These can indicate some serious mental agility. (Hey, I’m not just saying that because I love comedic writing… well, maybe a little.)
Humor is highly subjective. If you think you’re being witty and people are giving you blank stares, maybe they just haven’t caught on to your genius yet.
7. You’re Not a “Know-It-All”
This might sound backward, but the more you know, the more aware you become of all the stuff you don’t know. In other words, truly intelligent people often admit they don’t have it all figured out.
If you’re open-minded enough to learn from people who know more than you—and even from those who might know less—you’re likely exercising that big brain of yours.
When I interview psychologists for Blog Herald articles, I realize just how vast the field is. I practically drown in my research, but that’s when I learn the most.
8. You Get Lost in Thought
Ever find yourself in a complete trance, mentally replaying a conversation from last Tuesday or solving a problem you haven’t even encountered yet?
Drifting off into daydreams can be a sign of a busy and creative mind. It’s your brain’s way of testing out scenarios, solutions, or jokes (I do a lot of that) before rolling them out into the real world.
Daydreaming at the wrong time (like in the middle of a meeting) might be frowned upon by certain non-daydreamy folks. So do it strategically.
9. You Embrace Change—Eventually
Look, nobody likes change in the moment. But people with high IQs often adapt more quickly once they’ve processed it. When I first left my comfy job to focus on my writing career, I was terrified.
But after a few weeks of sweaty palms and mild panic, I was brimming with ideas. Why? Because my mind figured out how to pivot and turn fear into fuel.
If you tend to bounce back from big shifts (like a move, a career switch, or even a breakup) faster than your friends, you might have a flexible, resilient mind.
10. You Overthink… But It’s Because You Care
Overthinking gets a bad rap, and trust me, I’m no stranger to the 2 a.m. brain circus. But if you’re constantly analyzing every angle, it can mean you have mental horsepower to spare. You want the best outcome, so your brain runs in circles to cover all the bases.
When your overthinking starts to stress you out, try journaling or talking to a friend. Sometimes you just need to hear your own thoughts to get them back in line.
Final Thoughts
You might not have a fancy degree on the wall (or you might—you overachiever, you), but high intelligence isn’t always about standardized tests or memorizing Shakespeare. Often, it’s about thinking creatively, spotting patterns, asking questions, and being okay with not having all the answers.
Whether you’re the quiet observer, the curious question-asker, the adaptable champion of change, or simply the person who cracks jokes at the drop of a hat, you might be smarter than you give yourself credit for.
And if you still don’t believe me, keep this in mind: The fact you read all the way here—actively questioning, curious, and probably rolling your eyes at my jokes—says quite a lot about your brain power. Welcome to the high-IQ club. Now, don’t forget to use those smarts for good, okay?
