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8 Scientific Cues That Signal Intelligence

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1. An open mind

Medically healthy individuals who have higher intelligence generally tend to be more open to new experiences and ideas.

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2.Big-picture thinking

This is a popular psychology term known as "reframing"—trying to see a problem from a different viewpoint to move toward a solution.

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3. Messy spaces

Not everyone with a high IQ will like their office to be a wreck, but repeated research has shown that people with high intelligence tend to have more cluttered spaces.

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4. Staying up late

Research has also correlated high intelligence with being a night owl. That may not be ideal for your physical health or that morning gym commitment, but maybe this explains why you tend to stay awake when the rest of the house or the neighborhood is sleeping soundly.

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5. Anxiety

A 2015 report that examined generalized anxiety disorder and depression found that verbal intelligence predicted a greater predisposition to worry or ruminate more.

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6. A good memory

There are a few different kinds of memory—think short- and long-term memory. Research has shown that if you tend to retain information well, it can be a sign of high intelligence.

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7. Alone-time boundaries

This isn't to say that you're a total loner if you have a high intelligence level, but those who do tend to value time alone. A 2016 study found that people with high IQ weren't as satisfied when they focused on socializing with friends more frequently.

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8. Trustworthiness

Some research shows that people with high intelligence may be good judges of how trustworthy others are. As such, they usually choose to surround themselves with people they can trust deeply. (This may be one reason wider socializing isn't a frequent desire.)

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