Word-Of-the-Week #2009: Traits
November 20, 2025 by Susan Clarke
Traits – distinguishing features of your personal nature.
Is it in your nature to see every side of an argument? Do you have the ability to see outside the box?
This week features the last part from Zayda Slabbekoorn at YourTango.com, “11 Signs You Have A Complex Mind That Thinks Completely Differently Than Normal People.
Are you more intelligent than you give yourself credit for?”
To Recap: “There are many signs you have a complex mind that thinks completely differently than normal people, even if your habits and behaviors are subtle and unsuspecting amid the chaos of everyday life. Even the more obvious ones, like being a critical thinker, are beneficial to your success, productivity, and intelligence — so don’t take this complexity for granted, even if it feels like a burden at times.
- You crave meaningful connections
- You have a unique thought process
- You analyze yourself
- You’re comfortable with paradox
- You ask a lot of questions
- You appreciate a challenge
- You feel misunderstood
Here are the last 4 signs you have a complex mind that thinks completely differently than normal people
- You see every side of an argument
When you’re talking to people you don’t know, mediating an argument, or disagreeing with someone who has different opinions, if you can see all perspectives, chances are you have a complex mind.
You’re always understanding where someone “is coming from,” and making an effort to ask questions to bridge understanding. Even if you don’t agree, you’re committed to being engaged and understanding someone, rather than shutting down and taking their differing opinions personally.
Of course, there are certain sensitive topics, especially in today’s world, that often are personal — differing opinions on our identity or self-expression, for example, can feel offensive — but even then, a person with a complex mind uses emotional regulation and distance to protect themselves from harm.
- You’re always thinking
According to a study from Frontiers in Evolutionary Neuroscience, the average intelligent person with a complex mind struggles with anxiety because of their tendency toward overthinking. Their brain never shuts off — they’re always unpacking their emotions, reflecting, and thinking deeply about issues in their head.
This tendency to worry and overthink is also associated with a higher risk of psychological disorders and mental health concerns, according to a study from Intelligence. So, while it can be a beneficial trait in some instances, with the right self-discipline and coping strategies, it’s a complexity of an intelligent person’s mind that can also quickly sabotage their well-being.
- You’re incredibly creative
Creativity and intelligence often share a common thread: complexity. If you have a deep and complex mind, chances are you’re both intelligent, innovative, and creative in your everyday life. You think about things from an abstract perspective, giving you the ability to think outside the box and be creative with everything — from tangible pieces of art to more abstract arguments about life.
So, if you’re always being rewarded for your creativity or integrating it seamlessly into your routine, those are signs you have a complex mind that thinks completely differently than normal people.
- You’re curious about everything
Being curious about everything — whether it’s a work project, a person’s perspective, or your own personal thoughts — is one of the signs you have a complex mind that thinks completely differently than normal people.
You’re always seeking depth from interactions and mental stimulation from activities, leveraging intellectual and creative curiosity to your advantage for growth and development.
This week’s focus is on your traits. Can you have discussions and see all perspectives? Do you have a tendency to overthink things? Are you curious about everything?
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