Being smart doesn’t mean having it all figured out. In fact, people with high IQs but little common sense often stand out for their quirky or impractical behaviors.

Whether it’s neglecting basic responsibilities or misunderstanding simple instructions, these nine signs reveal how intelligence and common sense don’t always go hand in hand.

Let’s dive in and unravel this intriguing aspect of human intelligence.

1) Overthinking simple situations

One common behavior among those with high IQs but lacking basic common sense is the tendency to overthink straightforward scenarios. This can often lead to unnecessary complications, confusion, and sometimes, even paralysis by analysis.

Take, for instance, a simple decision like choosing what to eat for dinner.

While most people would perhaps consider their cravings, availability of ingredients, or convenience of preparation, an individual fitting this profile might get caught up in analyzing the nutritional value of every potential dish, its environmental impact, or even how it might affect their sleep patterns.

While it’s commendable to be thorough, studies say there’s such a thing as too much information. In certain circumstances, making a decision doesn’t need an in-depth analysis or complex reasoning.

Sometimes it’s best to stick with the basics – where common sense prevails.

This isn’t to say that people with high IQs are incapable of making simple decisions. Rather, it suggests that they might be more prone to complicating situations that require straightforward practical wisdom.

Their intellectual capacity may inadvertently cloud their ability to apply basic common sense.

2) Ignoring emotional intelligence

Those with high IQs but lacking in common sense often overlook the importance of emotional intelligence.

This might manifest in a failure to recognize or respond to the emotions of others, or even a struggle to understand their own feelings.

In my personal experience, I’ve met incredibly intelligent people who can solve complex mathematical equations or conjure up innovative business strategies, yet struggle to navigate the emotional landscape of interpersonal relationships.

They can sometimes dismiss emotions as irrational or unimportant, focusing solely on logic and reason.

However, common sense tells us that emotions are a fundamental part of human experience. They influence our decisions, our relationships, and our overall well-being.

As renowned psychologist and author David Caruso says, “Emotional intelligence is not the opposite of intelligence, it is not the triumph of heart over head — it is the unique intersection of both.”

A high IQ combined with emotional intelligence can lead to a deeper understanding of the world around us – beyond just facts and figures.

3) Struggling with practical tasks

Another peculiar behavior is the struggle with practical tasks. While many high IQ individuals excel in areas requiring deep thinking, they sometimes grapple with basic everyday tasks.

This might include forgetting about an appointment, struggling to cook a simple meal, or even getting lost while driving in familiar surroundings.

This isn’t because these individuals are incapable – far from it. Instead, their minds are often occupied with complex thoughts and ideas, making it difficult to focus on mundane tasks that require basic common sense.

In my video where I share seven crucial life lessons I’ve learned, one of them is that it’s okay not to be perfect at everything.

We all have our strengths and weaknesses, and that’s perfectly okay. Recognizing and accepting this can lead to a more authentic and fulfilling life.

If you feel like you’re juggling too many balls and often losing sight of the simpler things in life, this video might provide some valuable insights:

4) Dismissing the value of intuition

High IQ people who lack common sense often downplay the role of intuition. They might see it as unscientific or irrational, preferring to rely solely on logical reasoning. But in doing so, they may miss out on valuable insights that intuition can provide.

Intuition isn’t about making blind guesses. It’s a different kind of intelligence – one that’s rooted in our subconscious mind and informed by our past experiences, observations, and innate understanding of the world.

It’s the gut feeling that guides us when logic falls short or when we don’t have all the facts at hand.

In my belief system, I trust in the transformative power of self-awareness and personal growth. Part of this involves tapping into our intuition and learning to trust it.

By ignoring intuition, we’re dismissing a crucial aspect of our human intelligence.

As Albert Einstein famously said, “The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift.”

Recognizing and honoring our intuitive intelligence can lead to more balanced decision-making and a richer understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

5) Neglecting self-care

A common trait among high IQ individuals who lack common sense is the neglect of self-care. They often immerse themselves in intellectual pursuits to the point of ignoring their physical well-being.

They often skip meals, forget to hydrate, or lose sleep over a complex problem they’re trying to solve.

Self-care is not just about indulging in luxury or pampering oneself. It’s about maintaining our physical health, nourishing our bodies, and ensuring we have the energy to accomplish our tasks and pursue our passions. It’s about balance.

One of my beliefs is that true empowerment comes from taking full responsibility for our lives.

This includes taking care of our physical health and well-being. Without a stable foundation of good health, even the smartest minds can falter.

In one of my videos, I share some personal freedom hacks that have significantly improved my life. One of them is about finding balance and taking care of your well-being to sustain your personal freedom.

If you’re grappling with maintaining a healthy work-life balance or prioritizing self-care, this video might be helpful:

6) Overvaluing intellect over wisdom

People with high IQs who lack common sense often place a high value on intellect, sometimes to the point of overlooking wisdom. They may be quick to display their knowledge, solve complex problems, or engage in intellectual debates.

Yet, they might struggle with understanding life’s simpler truths or applying their knowledge to practical situations.

While intellect is valuable, wisdom is equally vital. Wisdom involves understanding the deeper nuances of life, learning from experiences, and showing empathy towards others.

It’s about aligning our actions with our core values and making decisions that contribute to our long-term well-being and that of others.

As part of my belief system, I am dedicated to living in alignment with my values and being a force for positive change in the world. This involves acknowledging the importance of wisdom and striving to cultivate it alongside intellect.

In doing so, we can achieve a more balanced understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

7) Overcomplicating simple communication

People with high IQs but lacking in common sense can often overcomplicate simple communication.

They use complex jargon when simpler words would suffice or provide overly detailed explanations when brevity is more appropriate.

This tendency can make it difficult for others to understand their ideas and can lead to miscommunication or confusion. It’s not that they deliberately aim to confuse; rather, their minds are wired to delve into the complexities of every topic, even when it’s unnecessary.

Understanding and valuing clear and effective communication is essential. It’s not just about conveying our thoughts accurately; it’s also about considering the listener’s perspective and ensuring our message is understood.

A core part of my belief system is the profound importance of authentic relationships.

Clear, simple, and effective communication is a cornerstone of these relationships, helping us connect more deeply with others and share our thoughts, ideas, and feelings more effectively.

8) Failing to appreciate the present moment

Those with high IQs but lacking basic common sense often struggle to appreciate the present moment. They can be so engrossed in their thoughts or focused on future goals that they overlook the beauty of now.

The present moment holds joy, learning opportunities, and experiences that we might miss if we’re constantly lost in thought or planning for the future. Learning to be present is a skill that requires practice.

One of my beliefs is in the transformative power of self-awareness and personal growth.

This involves cultivating mindfulness and learning to appreciate the present moment. By doing so, we can experience life more fully and find joy in everyday experiences.

9) Misunderstanding social cues

Another common behavior among high IQ individuals who lack common sense is misunderstanding social cues. They often struggle to read body language or fail to pick up on subtle emotional signals from those around them.

While they excel at abstract thinking and complex problem-solving, the intuitive understanding of social dynamics can sometimes elude them. This lack of social awareness can lead to misunderstandings or awkward interactions.

I always emphasize the importance of supportive communities and authentic relationships.

Understanding social cues is a fundamental part of forming and maintaining these relationships. By developing this skill, we can foster deeper connections and better understand the people around us.