Extremely gifted people can often feel like they’re the odd ones out in a world that doesn’t always value deep thinking.

In a society that’s constantly buzzing with noise, if you’re someone who prefers the quiet company of a good book, you might have trouble finding like-minded individuals.

More often than not, people might find you boring or aloof when you’re really just an avid reader.

In fact, you’ve probably been labelled a ‘bookworm’ or ‘nerd’ more times than you’d like to remember.

Sound familiar? If it does, continue reading about the 10 reading habits that indicate a high level of intelligence.

1) You’re a voracious reader

You find joy in the company of books more than anything else, because diving into a new world or learning about a new concept through reading brings you immense satisfaction.

Furthermore, you use this reading time to expand your knowledge and understanding of the world around you, which is a trait common among brilliant individuals.

You value reading because it allows you to explore different perspectives and ideas without the pressures of socializing.

2) You’re always reading between the lines

Another characteristic that signifies your superior intellect is the tendency to always read between the lines.

You never take things at face value, but instead dig deeper into what the author is trying to convey. You analyze the subtext, the symbolism, and the hidden meanings that aren’t immediately obvious to everyone.

For instance, while reading ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, where most people see just a story about a small southern town, you see a profound commentary on racial inequality and moral complexity.

Unfortunately, this habit of going beyond the surface can sometimes be seen as overthinking or ‘making things complicated’.

But for you, this isn’t complicating things—it’s understanding them at a deeper level. It’s not just about the story on the surface, but also about what lies beneath it. 

3) You read a diverse range of genres

It’s not just about how much you read, but also about the diversity in your reading material.

You typically enjoy reading a wide array of genres—from science fiction to biographies to poetry and everything in between.

This habit of yours can be attributed to your insatiable curiosity and desire to learn about different perspectives, cultures, and ideas.

Did you know that reading a variety of genres not only broadens your knowledge base, but also improves your cognitive flexibility? This means it’s easier for you to switch between different concepts and perspectives, a skill highly valued in many fields.

Yet, this habit might be misunderstood by others as being indecisive or lacking focus. But it’s quite the opposite. 

Your love for variety shows your intellectual versatility and openness to new ideas.

4) You take notes while reading

If you’re someone who takes notes while reading, this could indicate a razor-sharp mind.

You might jot down interesting quotes, new words, or thoughts that come to your mind as you read. This isn’t just about remembering what you read, but about engaging with the material actively.

This active engagement helps you understand and remember the content better. It also allows you to reflect on what you’re reading and make connections with other ideas or concepts you’ve encountered before.

However, this habit of yours might be seen by others as being too serious or even obsessive. 

But in reality, it’s a clear indication of your critical thinking skills and your dedication to learning.

5) You’re not afraid of challenging reads

Let’s be honest, not all books are easy to read. Some are complex, dense, and demand a high level of concentration. But you’re someone who doesn’t shy away from such challenging reads.

You embrace the challenge because you understand that it’s through these tough reads that you grow intellectually. You’re not afraid to wrestle with complicated theories or spend hours trying to understand a difficult concept.

Yet, this habit can sometimes make you come across as pretentious or show-offy to others. They might not understand why you would choose a challenging book over a light, easy read.

However, you know that it’s not about showing off—it’s about pushing your boundaries and constantly learning. It’s about embracing the challenge and coming out on the other side with new knowledge and insights.

6) You revisit your favorite books

In a world that’s constantly chasing after the new, revisiting old favorites might seem out of place. But if you’re someone who loves to reread your favorite books, this is another mark that you are a smart cookie.

You understand that there’s something comforting and enriching about returning to a beloved book. Each time you revisit it, you uncover new layers, fresh perspectives and deeper understandings.

However, this habit of yours might be seen as unadventurous or even stuck in the past by others. They might wonder why you’re reading the same book again when there are so many new ones out there.

But you know better. You appreciate the familiar paths and yet are able to find new trails each time. You know that every read offers a different experience, depending on where you are in life. It’s not about being stuck in the past—it’s about rediscovering and learning from the familiar.

7) You always have a book with you

Ever found yourself stuck in a long queue or waiting for an appointment, wishing you had brought a book along? If you’re someone who always carries a book with you wherever you go, this could suggest high intelligence.

You recognize that any moment can be turned into a perfect reading opportunity – the commute to work, the wait at the dentist, or even during your lunch break.

But, this habit of yours might make others see you as antisocial or even obsessive. They might think you’re trying to escape reality or that you’re just plain bored.

Yet, the truth is, it’s not about escaping reality—it’s about enriching it. It’s about turning otherwise idle moments into opportunities for learning and exploration. And if that’s not relatable to every book lover out there, what is? 

8) You love the smell of books

Now here’s a fun one. If you’re someone who loves the smell of books—be it an old, musty hardcover or a fresh, crisp new release—this could be a sign that you are an intellectual marvel.

You see, this love for the scent of books isn’t just about nostalgia or a sensory delight. It’s also about the association your brain makes between that smell and the joy of reading.

But hey, this quirk of yours might make others see you as eccentric or even downright weird. They might not understand how someone can be so enamored with the smell of paper and ink.

Yet, for you, it’s all part of the reading experience—it’s about fully immersing yourself in the world of books. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love that unique aroma that only a book can bring?

9) You don’t shy away from controversial books

You’re not content with just accepting what’s popular or widely accepted. You crave different viewpoints, even if they’re uncomfortable or go against the grain.

Of course, this habit might make others see you as a rebel or an instigator. They might question why you’d want to delve into topics that are contentious or divisive.

But you know the truth—it’s not about stirring up trouble. It’s about seeking out diverse perspectives and understanding all sides of an issue. It’s about not being afraid to question and challenge the status quo. 

And that’s a sign of high intelligence, whether others understand it or not.

10) You read for pleasure, not just for knowledge

You understand that reading isn’t just about learning new facts or expanding your vocabulary. It’s also about experiencing different emotions, understanding human experiences, and broadening your empathetic understanding of the world.

Some might see this as a waste of time—why read if not to learn something tangible? They might not understand the intangible value that comes from reading for pleasure.

But you know better. Reading for enjoyment fosters creativity, imagination, and emotional intelligence. And truly, these are some of the most profound markers of high intelligence.

Final thoughts

It’s easy to be misunderstood as a voracious reader. You can be called a bookworm, a nerd, or even an escapist, but that’s simply because society tends to misinterpret those who are different—particularly those who don’t conform to their norms.

So if you’re a passionate reader whom people think is aloof, don’t worry—you possess a depth and richness of understanding that they may never grasp.

Only those who are willing to see beyond the surface will truly appreciate the breadth of knowledge and insight you glean from your reading habits. Ultimately, the beauty of being an avid reader lies not in impressing others with your intelligence, but in the enriching journey of discovery and learning that each book offers you.