The smarter you are, the more likely you are to choose staying in over going out — really, science proves it.
According to a study published in the British Journal of Psychology, intelligent people tend to prefer their own company over the company of other people. (I must be a genius, then!) And while yes, intelligence is tied to increased rates of anxiety (both generalised and social), there are plenty of positive reasons for the phenomenon.
1. They value their alone time.
Smart people know how to entertain themselves and enjoy their own company. They use their alone time to reflect, process information, and recharge their mental batteries. Their solitude isn’t loneliness – it’s a chance to dive deep into their thoughts and ideas without interruption. Plus, it gives them the space to work on personal projects or hobbies that stimulate their minds.
2. Small talk bores them to tears.
For intelligent people, chatting about the weather or celebrity gossip feels like a waste of precious brain power. They tend to crave meaningful conversations that challenge their intellect and expand their knowledge (or at least don’t bore them to tears). The prospect of enduring hours of superficial chit-chat at social gatherings can be downright exhausting for them. They’d much rather have one deep, engaging conversation than twenty shallow ones.
3. They’re picky about their social circle.
Quality over quantity is the name of the game for smart people when it comes to friendships. They tend to be selective about who they spend time with, preferring a small group of like-minded people who can keep up with their intellectual pace. Building and maintaining these meaningful relationships takes time and energy, which means less desire for broader social interactions.
4. They’re often lost in their own thoughts.
Intelligent people have minds that are constantly busy with ideas, theories, and questions. It sounds crazy, but their internal dialogue can be so engaging that they sometimes find it hard to switch gears and focus on external social interactions. They might seem distracted or aloof in social situations, simply because their brain is busy processing complex thoughts.
5. They need time to pursue their interests.
Smart people often have a wide array of interests and hobbies that they’re passionate about. Most of the time, these things require time and concentration, which can eat into potential socialising hours. Whether it’s reading, writing, coding, or conducting experiments, they prioritise doing things that feed their intellect over social engagements.
6. They’re more aware of social nuances.
Source: Unsplash Higher intelligence often comes with increased sensitivity to social cues and dynamics, and this heightened awareness can make social situations more complicated, awkward, and potentially stressful for them. They might pick up on subtle tensions or unspoken issues that no one else does, making socialising more mentally taxing. Sometimes, it’s easier to avoid these situations altogether.
7. They value efficiency.
Intelligent people tend to be efficient with their time and energy. They might see excessive socialising as an inefficient use of resources, especially if it doesn’t contribute to their goals or personal growth. They’re more likely to opt for focused, purposeful social interactions rather than casting a wide net.
8. They’re often misunderstood.
Source: Unsplash Let’s face it – being the smartest person in the room can be lonely. Intelligent people might find that their ideas, humour, or perspectives frequently go over people’s heads. Feeling the constant need to explain themselves or dumb things down can be frustrating and exhausting. Over time, they might choose to socialise less to avoid these situations.
9. They’re comfortable with solitude.
Unlike many people who fear being alone, intelligent people often find solitude comforting and productive. They don’t feel the need to constantly surround themselves with people to feel fulfilled. The fact that they’re so comfortable being on their own means they’re less likely to socialise just for the sake of company.
10. They have a different concept of fun.
Source: Unsplash What constitutes a good time can vary widely for intelligent people. While other people might enjoy crowded parties or noisy bars, they might prefer a quiet night discussing Greek philosophy or solving ridiculously hard puzzles. Because the stuff they find enjoyable is so much different to other people sometimes, they might choose not to socialise at all.
11. They’re often engrossed in work or projects.
Many intelligent people are deeply committed to their work or personal projects. Whether it’s groundbreaking research, writing a novel, or developing new software, these endeavours often require long hours of focused attention. Sadly, their dedication can leave little time or energy for extensive socialising.
12. They struggle with social expectations.
Social norms and expectations can sometimes feel arbitrary or illogical to people who are super intelligent. They sometimes struggle to conform to social rituals or small talk protocols that don’t make sense to them. Rather than dealing with it, they might just decide not to socialise as often. Simples.
13. They’re more prone to overthinking.
Source: Unsplash Intelligent people have a tendency to analyse situations from multiple angles. While this is great for problem-solving, it can lead to overthinking social interactions. They might spend hours dissecting a conversation, worrying about how they came across. All their mental exhaustion can make socialising feel more like a chore than a pleasure.
14. They often have unconventional interests.
Source: Unsplash The topics that fascinate intelligent people might not be mainstream. Their idea of an exciting discussion might revolve around quantum physics or ancient philosophy – subjects that might not resonate with the average person. Such a huge mismatch in interests can make it harder to find compatible social groups.
15. They value their mental energy.
Source: Unsplash Intelligent people often see their mental energy as a precious resource. They’re careful about how they spend this energy, and might prefer to reserve it for things they find intellectually stimulating. Socialising, especially in large groups or with people they don’t connect with intellectually, can feel like a drain on this valuable resource.
16. They’re often introverted.
Source: Unsplash While not all intelligent people are introverts, there’s a high correlation between intelligence and introversion. Introverts tend to feel drained by social interactions and need alone time to recharge. Because they’re more naturally inclined to enjoy their own company, they’ll inevitably socialise less.
17. They’re focused on personal growth.
Source: Unsplash Many intelligent people are constantly striving to learn and improve themselves. They might prioritise activities that contribute to their personal growth – like reading, taking courses, or practising new skills – over social activities. Because they’re so focused on self-improvement, sometimes they forget to make time for fun with other people.
18. They’re more sensitive to environmental stimuli.
Source: Unsplash High intelligence often comes with heightened sensitivity to environmental stimuli. Crowded, noisy social settings can be overwhelming for their sensitive nervous systems. To protect themselves from sensory overload, they might opt for quieter, more controlled social environments or choose to socialise less frequently.
