For the record, IQ isn’t the only way to judge intelligence.
However, it does seem to be a pretty standard measure of practical smarts, and sadly, some people lack it. However, people with lower than average IQs don’t need to take a test to be outed as less clever. You can usually tell as many tend to have these habits.
1. Constantly losing track of keys and essentials
We’ve all misplaced our keys or wallet once in a while, but some people seem to make it a daily event. Always scrambling to find important items might come off as a lack of focus or organisation. While it could simply be a busy mind, it creates an impression that they’re not on top of things. Over time, the constant chaos adds up, leaving them and everyone around them frustrated.
2. Struggling to follow simple directions
Whether it’s a recipe, flatpack furniture instructions, or a basic set of tasks, some people seem to get lost in the simplest steps. Repeatedly asking for clarification or getting sidetracked halfway through can make them seem inattentive or confused. It’s not just about misunderstanding—it’s the way they often overcomplicate things that should be straightforward, leaving everyone else scratching their heads.
3. Leaving a trail of unfinished tasks
From half-finished hobbies to incomplete chores, some people just can’t seem to follow through. While starting things with enthusiasm is great, leaving projects abandoned gives off a sense of disorganisation. It can also frustrate people who depend on them to get things done. Before long, this habit creates a mountain of unfinished business that’s hard to ignore.
4. Getting easily distracted by notifications
Every buzz, ping, or vibration has them dropping everything to check their phone, even during important moments. This kind of impulsivity makes it hard for them to stay focused, and it often slows down their progress on anything they’re meant to be doing. It’s not just about interruptions—it’s the way these distractions derail their whole train of thought that can make them seem scatterbrained.
5. Consistently being late to everything
Chronic lateness can come across as careless, no matter how good their intentions are. Whether it’s poor time management or simply underestimating how long things take, always running late leaves people feeling let down. It’s not just an inconvenience—it sends the message that they’re disorganised or even a bit thoughtless, whether that’s the case or not.
6. Forgetting people’s names and details
Struggling to remember names, dates, or even important conversations can make someone seem inattentive or self-absorbed. It’s not just about memory—it’s how their forgetfulness makes people feel overlooked or undervalued. In social or professional settings, this habit can leave a lasting impression, and not a flattering one
7. Procrastinating on simple tasks
Putting off easy jobs like sending an email or folding laundry might seem harmless, but when it becomes a pattern, it gives off a vibe of laziness or avoidance. Procrastination can snowball, turning small tasks into big stressors that are harder to handle. It’s not just about being behind—it’s how the constant delays make life feel unnecessarily chaotic.
8. Misunderstanding jokes or sarcasm
Missing the punchline or taking sarcasm at face value can make interactions awkward, especially in groups. It’s not about humour itself—it’s the lack of awareness that leaves people feeling like they’re on a different wavelength. This habit can make social situations uncomfortable when they’re constantly playing catch-up with the conversation.
9. Repeating the same mistakes
Forgetting passwords, locking themselves out, or making the same errors at work can make someone seem incapable of learning from experience. It’s frustrating for those around them, especially when the solutions seem obvious. This repeated behaviour can come off as a refusal to adapt, even when they mean well
10. Spending money impulsively
Constantly buying things they don’t need or splurging on random items can make someone appear reckless. Impulse spending often leads to financial stress, creating a cycle of regret and poor decisions. It’s not just about the purchases—it’s how quickly these habits spiral into trouble that makes them stand out.
11. Oversharing on social media
Posting every thought or moment might seem harmless, but it can come across as lacking self-awareness. Sharing too much online blurs boundaries and makes everyone question their judgement. It’s not just about privacy—it’s the way oversharing creates unnecessary drama or discomfort that leaves a lasting impression.
12. Taking things at face value
Believing everything they hear without questioning it can make someone seem naïve or gullible. Whether it’s falling for scams or spreading misinformation, their lack of critical thinking stands out. Accepting things without scepticism creates misunderstandings and makes it harder for anyone to take them seriously.
13. Struggling to adapt to new technology
Given that pretty much everything is digital these days, fumbling with basic tech can make someone seem out of touch. Whether it’s confusion over simple apps or constant issues with their devices, it gives the impression that they’re resistant to change. It’s not just about keeping up—it’s how their tech troubles create barriers in everyday life.
14. Constantly asking obvious questions
Questions like “Where’s the file?” when it’s clearly labelled or “What time’s the meeting?” when it’s been repeated multiple times can make someone seem inattentive. While double-checking is fine, asking questions that feel unnecessary slows things down and frustrates people. It’s not about being thorough—it’s the way these habits disrupt the flow of communication that makes them stand out.
