11 Very Specific Thoughts Highly Intelligent People Think But Never Really Say Out Loud
Krakenimages.com | ShutterstockBeing highly intelligent can be both a blessing and a curse. While people with a high IQ may excel in academics, high intelligence usually comes with some cost.
As they may be easily annoyed by others who don't have the same brain power they have, highly intelligent people often have specific thoughts they may think to themselves, but know all too well they should really never say out loud to anyone else. Due to their amazing observation skills, they pick up on things everyone else tends to ignore, and rather than sharing these observations with someone who may not appreciate them, they are satisfied keeping these thoughts to themselves.
These are 11 very specific thoughts highly intelligent people think but never really say out loud
1. 'You don't really want me to be honest'
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Highly intelligent people are always going to be ten steps ahead. However, while it may sound good on paper, knowing what's going to happen before anyone else does isn't always what it's cracked up to be.
Because others don't have their knowledge, people with high intelligence must constantly hold themselves back from being honest. As relationship therapist Jamie Turndorf, Ph.D., put it, "While we may feel temporarily relieved when we shoot off rounds of honesty, we pay a terrible price for this temporary satisfaction, as we harm our relationships and our own self-esteem (you can’t feel proud of yourself when you misbehave)."
This is why they secretly think. "You don't really want me to be honest." Sure, they could use their intelligent brain to throw down what everyone else seemed to miss. However, when push comes to shove, not everyone can handle their honesty.
2. 'This person is so incompetent'
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When someone is incredibly intelligent, they often find themselves frustrated by everyone around them. From coworkers missing deadlines to classmates forgetting to do entire sections of work, specific thoughts that those with a high IQ think but don't say out loud are, "This person is so incompetent."
It isn't always their fault. People with high intelligence often operate on a different level than everyone else. From processing information faster to being more thorough, this can mean growing tired of people not meeting their expectations. Frequently disappointed and frustrated, their thoughts almost always drift to just how incompetent everyone else is.
3. 'Why do I have to do everything around here?'
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When people pick up on the fact that you're smart, they tend to bombard you with questions. Even if it isn't your field of expertise or your problem, you may find yourself saddled with questions left and right. From coworkers needing help to partners dumping everything on you, highly intelligent people almost always think, "Why do I have to do everything around here?"
This isn't just unfair. Sure, piling everything on one person is morally wrong, but it's also so much more than that. According to the University of Utah Health, burnout leads to exhaustion, withdrawal, depression, and anxiety. This is why intelligent people must set boundaries. Even if it means being cold, learning to say 'no' is the number one way to look out for your mental health.
4. 'They aren't being logical right now'
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It should come as no surprise that those with a high IQ are typically critical thinkers. Prioritizing logic over overreactions, many high-IQ people struggle to understand those around them, but one thing they know better than to say out loud is, "They aren't being logical right now."
Not everyone can be as restrained as intelligent people. The average person isn't always going to follow their brain. Taking people's feelings and needs into account, they will sometimes make decisions others won't agree with. Will highly intelligent people judge them outright? No, but this doesn't mean they won't be side-eyeing them in their mind.
5. 'Am I the only one noticing this?'
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If there's one thing highly intelligent people find themselves doing often, it's observing. Whether they're in a social setting or with their close family and friends, they tend to be the quietest out of the bunch. Content with sitting there and listening to everyone else speak, their introverted nature often means they pick up on things others miss.
As a result, those with a high IQ often think, "Am I the only one noticing this?" From passive-aggressive behavior to rising tensions, they pick up on danger before anyone else does. However, rather than saying anything, they prioritize their peace of mind first.
It may sound cold-hearted, but involving themselves in drama will only end in disaster. Focusing more on their mental health and prosperity, those who play it smart always win in the end. As teacher Paul J Dunion, Ed.D., said, "As drama increases, so does nervous system dysregulation, with more arguing, mood swings, and withdrawal." This is why they stay silent instead.
6. 'This person clearly doesn't think things through'
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Intelligent people tend to be good judges of others, so whether they are dealing with coworkers making irrational decisions or friends digging themselves in too deep, it's no surprise that those with a high IQ question how others think.
They aren't trying to be rude, but high-IQ people genuinely don't comprehend why people are so careless with the things they say. They are quick to side-eye people's questionable behavior, thinking, "This person clearly doesn't think a lot," to themselves often.
7. 'Maybe it's best if I stay quiet for now'
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It's tempting to go out of your way to help others. Noticing that they're saying or doing things that could get them into trouble, the average person may intervene to ease tensions. However, while it's something one person may do without thinking twice, high-IQ people think but don't say out loud, "Maybe it's best if I stay quiet for now."
At first, it may seem cowardly to sit on the sidelines and observe. For many, speaking up and being upfront is a characteristic that's often admired and upheld. Still, just because it's admired doesn't mean it's always the best course of action. As licensed Clinical and Forensic Psychologist Samantha Stein, Psy.D., said, "Silence provides an opportunity for introspection, allowing us to process our thoughts and feelings without judgment. This practice can lead to better emotional control, reduced anxiety, and a more balanced mental state."
So, while it may be seen as cowardly, don't expect those with a high IQ to be expressive. Watching on the sidelines, they'd rather stay silent and observe than risk making things worse.
8. 'This conversation is going nowhere'
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How many times have people found themselves arguing in circles? Whether it's arguing with your parents or your partner, staying on the same topic can feel overwhelming and stressful. Intelligent people know this, which is why they think, "This conversation is going nowhere."
Would they love to repair what's broken and move on with their life? Yes, but it doesn't always work out that way. When someone is hurt, no amount of logical reasoning will help. This is why smart people know when to walk away. As much as they'd love to resolve things, some arguments aren't worth their time.
9. 'This isn't going to end well'
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The most terrifying aspect of having a high IQ is those foresight abilities. Seeing the plane crash happening in slow motion, something they think but don't say is, "This isn't going to end well." Seeing someone picking a fight or doing something reckless, they know the consequences are going to be severe.
Internally stressed and annoyed, all they can do is watch from the sidelines and hope for the best. Call them cold-hearted, but they know picking a fight they won't win is bound to end in disaster. As author and host Robert Puff, Ph.D., said, "True peace requires accepting what you can't change now, while remaining open to future solutions." This is why they are quick to detach from the situation.
10. 'This is a giant waste of time'
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Everyone's been in this situation before. They are in a meeting or are in a class that is a giant waste of time. Feeling frustrated and annoyed, they may think, "This is a waste of my time." However, while this is a passing thought for most people, it's something high-IQ people think about every day.
Smart people can't stand the prospect of wasting their time on things or people that don't matter. Whether it's a useless work email or a teacher who doesn't know what they're talking about, wasting time is a frustration that high-IQ people experience pretty much every day.
11. 'I could explain this to you, but it's not worth it'
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Finally, the last specific thought highly intelligent people think but don't say out loud is, "I could explain this to you, but it's not worth it." Some people don't try to understand you or meet you halfway. Determined to go against everything you say or do, you have to ask yourself if it's worth the effort.
When push comes to shove, keeping your own peace of mind intact starts with you. Highly intelligent people know this, which is why they're quick to shut out anyone who disturbs their inner peace. This is important, as psychologist Ryan M. Niemiec, Psy.D., said, "Tapping into your capacity for zest, hope, and gratitude can enhance inner peace, which may be the first step toward a more peaceful world."
So, while it's tempting to go back and forth, highly intelligent people pick their battles wisely, which is why they always thrive in the end.
Marielisa Reyes is a writer with a bachelor's degree in psychology who covers self-help, relationships, career, family, and astrology topics.
