Ever had a chat with someone and felt like they were super smart?

Well, smart folks have a way of showing their smarts when they talk.

But how can you spot it? How do you know if you’re talking to someone really brainy?

Don’t worry, we’re here to help you figure it out. In this article, we’ll share 11 things really smart people often say when they chat.

If you hear these a lot from someone, chances are they’re a smarty pants! So, let’s get started.

1) They ask thought-provoking questions

Ever noticed how some folks have a way of asking questions that make you think? That’s a classic sign of a smart person.

They’re naturally curious and want to understand the world better. So, they don’t just ask any old question. They ask ones that really dig deep and make you stop and think.

If you find yourself often pondering over the questions someone asks, chances are, you’re chatting with a pretty smart cookie!

2) They’re open about what they don’t know

It might seem a bit odd, but smart people aren’t afraid to admit when they don’t know something. They understand that it’s impossible to know everything, and they’re okay with that.

In fact, they see it as an opportunity to learn something new.

So, if someone is quick to say “I don’t know” but follows it up with “Can you explain it to me?” or “Let’s look it up,” you might just be dealing with someone really intelligent.

3) They enjoy intellectual challenges

This is something I’ve noticed in many intelligent people I’ve met. They thrive on intellectual challenges.

Instead of shying away from tough problems, they dive right in. They see it as a chance to stretch their minds and learn something new.

For instance, I remember chatting with my friend, Alex, who happens to be a physicist. We were discussing a complex theoretical concept that I was struggling to understand.

Rather than dismissing it as too complicated, Alex lit up like a child in a candy store. He was eager to dissect the problem and discuss possible solutions, showing his love for intellectual challenges.

4) They value different perspectives

Highly intelligent people understand that the world isn’t just black and white.

They appreciate the nuances and different shades of gray in between. That’s why they value different perspectives. They’re open to hearing other people’s opinions, even if they don’t agree with them.

Here’s an interesting fact: Studies have shown that intelligent people are more likely to change their minds when presented with new information.

It’s because they’re not afraid to admit they were wrong and adjust their views accordingly. 

5) They show empathy

Empathy isn’t just about understanding someone’s feelings. It’s about truly connecting with someone on an emotional level. And believe it or not, this is a trait that many intelligent people possess.

Smart folks can use their intellect to understand complex emotions and situations, but it’s their ability to empathize that allows them to connect with others deeply. They listen, they care, and they’re there when you need them.

If you’ve ever had a conversation with someone who made you feel heard and understood, like your feelings truly mattered, then you’ve likely encountered a highly intelligent individual. Because empathy, my friends, is the language of the heart that only the smartest among us truly speak fluently.

6) They’re lifelong learners

One thing I’ve noticed in my interactions with highly intelligent people is their unquenchable thirst for knowledge.

They’re lifelong learners, always eager to learn something new, to add another book to their already overflowing bookshelf, or to take a deep dive into a fascinating documentary.

Take my friend Sarah, for instance. She’s one of the smartest people I know, and her hunger for learning is insatiable. Whether it’s picking up a new language, exploring the world of quantum physics, or learning how to bake the perfect sourdough, she’s always up for a new challenge.

7) They’re not afraid of failure

Let’s get real here. Nobody likes to fail. It stings, it bruises our ego, and it can be downright embarrassing. But you know who isn’t afraid of failure? Highly intelligent people. Yep, you heard that right.

These brainy folks understand that failure is just part of the game. It’s not a dead-end, but a detour or a stepping stone towards success. They see it as a learning opportunity – a chance to grow and become better.

Only the smartest among us have the guts to embrace failure and use it as fuel for success.

8) They value alone time

Intelligent people often cherish their alone time. It allows them to reflect, think deeply, and recharge their mental batteries.

Research from the British Journal of Psychology suggests that highly intelligent people are more likely to enjoy spending time alone than their less intelligent counterparts.

The study found that while most people feel happier when they’re around others, highly intelligent individuals reported a lower life satisfaction when they spent more time socializing.

9) They’re adaptable

Adaptability is a trait that I’ve noticed to be quite common among the highly intelligent people in my life. They’re like chameleons, able to adjust to new situations, environments, and challenges with ease.

For instance, my cousin Mark is one of the most adaptable people I know. He’s lived in several countries, learned multiple languages, and navigated various cultural norms with grace and ease.

Whenever I talk to him about his experiences, he always attributes his success to his ability to adapt.

10) They don’t seek validation

Here’s the thing. Highly intelligent people don’t need others to validate their worth. They’re confident in their abilities, and they don’t need constant approval or recognition to keep going.

They’re not out there fishing for compliments or flaunting their achievements.

Instead, they let their work and actions speak for themselves. They understand that self-worth comes from within, not from what others think of them.

It takes a lot of smarts to recognize that your value isn’t determined by others’ opinions.

11) They’re comfortable with silence

Finally, let’s get real about silence. For some, silence can be uncomfortable, awkward even. But for highly intelligent people, silence is golden.

They’re comfortable with moments of quiet during conversations and see it as a space for reflection and deep thinking rather than an awkward pause to be filled with mindless chatter.

If you find yourself in a conversation with someone who seems at ease during moments of silence, take note. You might just be in the company of someone highly intelligent.