It is said that intelligent people are less social, and interestingly enough, their overall satisfaction seems to be unaffected by their more secluded way of life.

Do you consider yourself a bit of a loner? Are you content with your way of life? Do you sometimes feel that society’s constant push for more social interaction just doesn’t resonate with you? Do you often prefer the quiet ambiance of nature over the hustle and bustle of a crowded city? Perhaps, you’d rather spend the night reading a good book or enjoying a cozy evening with your partner instead of attending a loud party? And do your parents sometimes worry that you don’t have a large circle of friends?

If this sounds like you, there’s no reason to worry.

As many of us already know, intelligent people often have higher levels of anxiety and are frequently more prone to social anxiety, as they tend to be more observant than the average person.

However, according to a study in the British Journal of Psychology, it goes even a bit further: highly intelligent people actually prefer their own company, and there’s a fascinating rationale behind this.

Here’s what we know: the study explained that evolutionary psychologists found a connection between frequent social interactions and decreased life satisfaction in people who generally possess higher intelligence.

The researchers surveyed adults aged 18 to 28 and discovered that those living in densely populated areas reported lower levels of happiness. This trend was also found among individuals who frequently socialized with friends.

The study suggests the “Savannah Theory” as a potential reason for this — meaning the factors that naturally bring us joy now are similar to those that did so when human civilization first began.

The theory posits that smarter individuals are more adept at adapting to the complexities of modern life and hence are more inclined to “leave the group” to pursue their own, more gratifying paths.

Essentially: Intelligent people prefer to socialize less because they don’t rely on the sense of tribal belonging to find meaning in their lives.

In fact, when faced with the choice between “belonging” and creating their own unique paths, they are more likely to choose the latter.

So, if we go by this theory, our hunter-gatherer ancestors’ brains were perfectly adapted for life in smaller populations, where we existed in groups of about 150 people.

Back then, social interaction was vital for survival. The ability to adapt is what typically characterizes an intelligent person. Previously, a superior human would have relied on instincts; today’s superior human crafts their own future instead of merely conforming to the group.

Supporting this is the fact that self-reported happiness often tends to be higher in smaller towns compared to larger cities, a concept referred to as the “urban-rural happiness gradient.”

This could be attributed to numerous factors, but it’s likely due to the fact that people flourish in smaller, more intimate circles with genuine connections. In a small town, there’s a palpable sense of community and belonging.

You might step out to the local deli in the morning and exchange greetings with familiar faces, unlike the often overwhelming feeling of anonymity in a larger city. Similarly, in a smaller town, emphasis is placed on who you are and your connections with others, rather than what you achieve or how you appear.

Intelligent individuals often bypass this dynamic, focusing on their own quests. However, the central point remains: intelligent people (and happy people!) thrive in a few, close, and authentic relationships.