If someone displays these 8 behaviors, they have low social intelligence

If a person shouts insults, they’re probably not the best at socializing. If someone avoids eye contact, they might be struggling with social intelligence.

These are some basic red flags, the ABCs of understanding social IQ.

Yet, it’s not always this straightforward. The human psyche is a complicated riddle that requires more than just surface-level analysis to decode.

And the realm of social intelligence is no exception.

However, certain behaviors can be telltale signs. In this article, we’re going to uncover 8 of these behaviors that hint towards a lower social intelligence.

And remember, recognizing these traits is the first step towards personal growth and building a more authentic you.

1) They struggle with emotional understanding

Ever felt like you’re in a whirlwind of emotions, where they hit you like a rollercoaster without any warning? It’s chaotic, it’s intense, and sometimes it’s downright overwhelming.

Now, imagine not being able to decipher these emotions, or even worse, not being able to understand the feelings of those around you.

People with low social intelligence often grapple with this reality. They find it challenging to comprehend the emotional landscape around them.

It’s like they’re on the outside looking in, struggling to decode the shifts in atmosphere or the hidden feelings beneath people’s facades.

Their inability to fully grasp emotions can often serve as a barrier in their social interactions, making it difficult for them to connect with others on a deeper level.

If they can’t navigate this emotional labyrinth, how can they truly understand someone else’s mind?

Not so cool, right? But remember, identifying this trait is the first step towards growth and developing meaningful relationships.

2) They misread social cues

You know, I remember this one time at a networking event. I met a guy who seemed intelligent and accomplished. But as the conversation progressed, things started to feel a bit off.

He laughed at serious comments, and responded with confusion to jokes.

His reactions were completely out of sync with the conversation. It was like he was missing an invisible script that everyone else was following.

People with low social intelligence often struggle with this – picking up on social cues.

They can’t seem to understand the unwritten rules of communication, which can lead to awkward encounters and misunderstandings.

It’s like they’re playing a game where everyone else knows the rules, but they’re left guessing. And trust me, it’s as frustrating for them as it is for the people around them.

It’s not an easy hurdle to overcome, but recognizing it is the first step in improving their social intelligence and building better connections.

3) They’re poor listeners

Did you know that on average, we only remember about 25% to 50% of what we hear?

That’s because listening is an active process, not just a passive one. It requires concentration, understanding, and response – and not everyone is good at it.

People with low social intelligence often fall into the category of poor listeners.

They might appear to be paying attention, but their minds are often elsewhere.

They might interrupt you mid-sentence, or respond inappropriately because they didn’t fully grasp what was said.

It’s like trying to communicate with someone in a noisy room – frustrating and ineffective. And in the long run, this can lead to strained relationships and missed opportunities.

But don’t worry, active listening is a skill that can be learned and improved.

And it’s one of the keys to enhancing their social intelligence and building stronger connections.

4) They lack empathy 

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s like stepping into someone else’s shoes and seeing the world from their perspective. It’s a vital skill in human interactions.

Unfortunately, those with low social intelligence often struggle with empathy.

They find it hard to relate to others’ feelings or situations. It’s as if they’re watching a foreign movie without subtitles – they see the actions, but can’t comprehend the emotions behind them.

This lack of empathy can make them seem cold and distant.

It can create a disconnect with others, making it hard for them to establish meaningful relationships.

But fear not, empathy, like any other skill, can be developed.

And it’s a crucial step towards boosting their social intelligence and forming more authentic connections.

5) They struggle with adaptability

I’ve always believed that adaptability is the key to survival – in the wild and in social situations.

It’s about adjusting to new environments, rolling with the punches, and making the best out of any situation.

But for those with low social intelligence, adaptability can be a real struggle.

They find it hard to adjust their behavior according to the situation. I’ve seen people stick to their script, even when it’s clear that it’s not working.

It’s like they’re trying to fit a square peg into a round hole – it just doesn’t work.

This inability to adapt can result in uncomfortable situations and missed opportunities.

But the good news is, with a little self-awareness and practice, anyone can learn to be more adaptable. And trust me, it makes a world of difference in social interactions.

6) They over-rely on logic

Logic is a powerful tool, but when it comes to social interactions, it can sometimes do more harm than good.

People with low social intelligence often lean too heavily on logic, ignoring the emotional aspects of communication.

They approach conversations like a math problem, assuming that every interaction has a clear-cut solution.

But humans aren’t equations – emotions, feelings, and personal experiences add layers of complexity that logic alone can’t solve.

This over-reliance on logic can make their interactions feel mechanical and impersonal. It creates a barrier that prevents them from truly connecting with others.

But by balancing logic with empathy and emotional understanding, they can improve their social intelligence and build more meaningful relationships.

7) They avoid eye contact

Eye contact is a fundamental aspect of human communication. It can express interest, engagement, and confidence. It’s like a non-verbal handshake that initiates a connection.

But those with low social intelligence often avoid eye contact. It’s as if they’re trying to hide behind an invisible wall, creating a distance between themselves and others.

This avoidance can make their interactions feel cold and impersonal. It can give the impression that they’re disinterested or untrustworthy.

But by practicing and improving their eye contact, they can enhance their social intelligence and create warmer, more genuine connections.

8) They fail to show appreciation

At the core of every human interaction is the need to feel valued and appreciated. We all want our efforts to be recognized and our feelings to be validated.

Those with low social intelligence, however, often fail to show appreciation. They overlook the power of a simple ‘thank you’ or a genuine compliment.

This failure can leave others feeling undervalued and unimportant. It creates a disconnect and can damage relationships.

However, by learning to express appreciation sincerely, they can significantly improve their social interactions and build stronger, more meaningful connections.

Final thoughts

If you’ve made it this far, you’ve probably realized that people with low social intelligence aren’t inherently bad or unlikable.

They’re just individuals grappling with a complex dimension of human interaction.

Having low social intelligence doesn’t make someone less valuable or less deserving of connection. Instead, it highlights areas they can develop and improve, turning potential weaknesses into strengths.

Social intelligence isn’t about being the life of the party or the most popular person in the room. It’s about understanding and connecting with others on a deeper level.

It’s about seeing the world from different perspectives and appreciating the richness of human interactions.

And if someone is willing to work on these areas, they’re not just showing the potential to improve their social intelligence.

They’re proving that they’re committed to personal growth and building more authentic connections.

It’s a challenging journey, but one that’s ultimately rewarding.

Because at the end of the day, we are all social beings, and our ability to connect with others defines our human experience.