Think about popular TV characters like Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory, Tony Soprano from The Sopranos or Selina Meyer from Veep. All of these protagonists were out for themselves and wanted things done their way, making them unquestionably selfish (at least, most of the time). However, they were also all brilliant enough to ascend to the top of their respective professional fields.
Related: 9 Signs Someone Is Emotionally Overstimulated, Not Actually Angry, According to a Psychologist
9 'Selfish' Habits That Signal High Intelligence, According to a Psychologist
Dr. Chait also notes that while the below habits can all potentially signal high intelligence (IQ), many of them can signal high emotional intelligence (EQ), too.
She adds that "being able to judiciously decide what to attend to and what not to takes a great deal of thoughtfulness and planning."
2. Spending time alone
When a friend chooses to spend time alone rather than with you, it can feel hurtful—but according to Dr. Chait, "it may be because they have enough self-awareness to know they need alone time to rest and recharge."
Related: If You Can Relate to These 9 Phrases, You Might Have High-Functioning Anxiety, According to a Psychologist
However, a mean remark is a mean remark, no matter how clever it may be. "While sarcasm can be perceived as mean or hurtful, someone with high intelligence or EQ will also be able to know when and how to use sarcasm so it adds humor without being hurtful," Dr. Chait says.
She notes that sarcasm is similar to problem solving, since "utilizing sarcasm tends to involve the balance of conflicting meanings, understanding what they are conveying or is being conveyed, and can be a bit of a cognitive workout."
4. Delegating tasks to others
And according to Dr. Chait, as long as someone is delegating intentionally, it can be a good thing for everyone, as it "results in freeing up their own time but can also lead to others feeling included and well-utilized," she says.
Related: 7 Traits That Separate Emotionally Intelligent Leaders From Everyone Else
Photo by Ekaterina Goncharova on Getty Images
"They may be adhering to [their routine] so rigidly because they know it works for them, decreases the chances that they don’t get things done, and serves their needs in a way that allows them to show up in other spaces or with other people as their best self," says Dr. Chait.
6. Disagreeing with the majority
"While this can lead to people thinking you’re being difficult or are not getting something they think is obvious, it can instead be a sign of someone who wants to make an informed decision," Dr. Chait says.
It can be easy to form an opinion and convince yourself to stick with it forever. Broccoli tastes icky! Staying up late is cool! Jazz sucks!
"This sometimes can come across as selfish if others think you are making things more difficult by changing your mind," she explains, "but the ability to take in new information and readily change your opinion is actually a sign of intelligence."
8. Not responding to messages right away
Whenever a friend "leaves me on read," aka doesn't respond to my text within a few hours, I tend to spiral a bit. But according to Dr. Chait, someone's delay could actually mean they're trying to be thoughtful in their response or stay productive in their work.
Related: People Who Avoid Responding to Texts Right Away Often Share These 9 Traits, Psychologists Explain
"When people are financially able to spend money on these kinds of services, it frees up their time to focus on higher priority or higher value things," she explains.
1. Including others
According to Dr. Chait, people with high intelligence tend to be aware of other people in group settings and purposefully try to loop those who might be feeling left out into the conversation.
Related: 13 Surprising Habits That Make You 'Instantly Likable,' Psychologists Say
"Knowing when to use technical language vs. when to use lay people language is an important skill," she explains, "and using it with others allows them to better engage with you."
3. Listening
"Being able and willing to listen and learn from others can be a sign of intelligence," she says.
4. Remembering details about others
How good does it feel when an acquaintance or friend you haven't seen in a while remembers a small detail about you? According to Dr. Chait, this kind trait actually may indicate high intelligence or high EQ.
Final Takeaways
Sometimes, behavior that may seem selfish is actually an indicator of high intelligence.
Saying no and setting boundaries is a smart way of protecting oneself. If someone sets a boundary with you, it's likely more about their preferences than a reflection of how they feel about you.The black sheep is often the smartest one in the group. Whether someone comes off as an outlier because they enjoy ample alone time or because they tend to disagree with the majority, these traits may signal high intelligence.Kindness and compassion can indicate intelligence just as much as "selfish" habits. Everyone contains multitudes.Related: 9 Signs Someone Is Emotionally Overstimulated, Not Actually Angry, According to a Psychologist
Sources:
Dr. Sari Chait, Ph.D., clinical psychologistSarah Kalny, LMHC, therapistHence then, the article about these 9 selfish habits actually signal high intelligence psychologist says was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( These 9 'Selfish' Habits Actually Signal High Intelligence, Psychologist Says )
Also on site :