Navigating social interactions can sometimes be challenging, especially when trying to understand where others are coming from.
It’s not always so black and white; the human brain is a fascinating puzzle filled with nuances that define our intelligence.
While intelligence is a complex and multifaceted trait, there are certain subtle behaviors that may indicate limited critical thinking or reasoning skills.
However, there are certain subtle behaviors that might hint at a lower IQ.
Recognizing these signs can help you approach conversations and relationships with more patience and understanding.
Here are eight subtle behaviors that might suggest someone has difficulty with complex problem-solving or intellectual flexibility:
1) They struggle with abstract thinking
Brains are intricate things.
Some people find it easy to play around with concepts and ideas, twisting and turning them in their minds, examining them from every angle, and coming up with clever solutions.
Yet, not everyone can do that.
Abstract thinking probably isn’t their strong suit if they struggle with the unseen and the unspoken, preferring concrete examples over hypothetical situations, and finding it hard to imagine scenarios that aren’t explicitly laid out in front of them.
2) They find problem-solving difficult
Let me share an experience of mine: One time, I was working on a group project with a colleague and the task required us to think creatively, to step out of our comfort zones and come up with an innovative solution.
Everyone was brainstorming, throwing out ideas left and right.
But my colleague? He was silent, looking a bit lost.
When asked for his input, he could only repeat the ideas already shared.
It wasn’t that he didn’t care or wasn’t trying—he just couldn’t seem to grasp the problem-solving aspect of the task.
3) They have a slower processing speed
We live in a world that values speed—from fast food to high-speed internet, everything is about saving time and getting results quickly.
The need for speed extends to our brains too; some people can process information rapidly, making connections and decisions in the blink of an eye.
Those people—geniuses, if I may—are the ones who excel at trivia games and quick-fire quizzes.
On the other hand, there are those who take a bit longer.
Did you know that processing speed has been linked to IQ in numerous studies? It’s true!
Their mental gears turn at a slower pace, taking more time to absorb information and make sense of it.
4) They have a limited vocabulary
Language is a powerful tool—it’s a gateway to express thoughts, share ideas, and connect with others.
Unfortunately, there are those who have a limited vocabulary; using simple words and phrases, and often struggling to articulate complex ideas or feelings.
This is also linked to intelligence in terms of education and exposure to language; a rich vocabulary is often indicative of a high IQ, while a limited one might suggest the opposite.
5) They tend to make poor decisions
Everyday life is full of decisions—from what to wear to work, to what to eat for dinner, we’re constantly making choices.
I’ve noticed over time that some people struggle with this: I once had a friend who would agonize over the simplest decisions, like choosing which movie to watch in the cinema or how a restaurant for dinner would turn into an ordeal.
At first, I thought he was just indecisive, but it was so evident that his struggles extended beyond trivial choices.
He had a hard time making decisions that involved weighing pros and cons, projecting future outcomes, or considering multiple factors at once.
It made me realize that decision-making is a complex process that relies heavily on our intelligence.
6) They are overconfident in their abilities
You might think that people with lower IQs would be aware of their intellectual limitations but, strangely enough, that’s not always the case.
Psychological studies have found a phenomenon called the “Dunning-Kruger effect”.
According to this, individuals with low abilities at a task often overestimate their competence—they’re blissfully unaware of their shortcomings.
Their poor performance can cause a domino effect, which would (most likely) get them into trouble in school, at work, or with family and friends.
7) They experience difficulty when adapting to change
Change can be uncomfortable and challenging as it’s a constant part of life.
There are some that have a particularly hard time adapting to change—set in their ways and begin to struggle when their routine or familiar patterns are disrupted.
This resistance to change is a sign of lower cognitive flexibility, which is a key component of intelligence.
8) They lack curiosity
Curiosity is the fuel of intelligence; curiosity drives us to explore, learn, and grow.
People with lower IQs, however, often show a lack of curiosity; they are content with what they know and show little interest in learning new things or exploring unfamiliar concepts.
This isn’t about being complacent or lazy, though.
A lack of curiosity signifies a lack of intellectual hunger, which is closely tied to intelligence.
If someone shows this or any of the behaviors listed above, it could be a strong indicator of a lower IQ.
Leaning into empathy
Hopefully, by now, you’ve realized that a lower IQ does not diminish a person’s worth.
Intelligence takes many forms, and valuing someone should never be based solely on cognitive abilities.
Albert Einstein once said, “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”
So, as you go about your interactions, remember this: If someone exhibits these behaviors, they’re just different—and that difference deserves empathy, patience, and understanding.
After all, isn’t that what makes the world an interesting place?
