To wonder if clever people are less likely to be happy....

[Comedycook]

Maybe clever is the wrong word? Perhaps analytical is a better word. I'm just musing. I think the more you think about life, the more crap it seems. I'm not actively unhappy but I wouldn't say I'm a hugely happy person. I think way too much. So for example, at a party or event, I find it hard to let loose. I can't switch off my analytical musings on what's going on around me and as a consequence, I don't have a huge amount of fun.

Maybe this isn't intelligence as such but over thinking/analysing

Anyone else like this?

Of course but I believe she would be less anxious if she could switch her brain off sometimes, or even put it in a lower gear

Thickos love hen dos, that's amazing 😂

I mean, I've got a PhD and I do love a good hen do, so I might be an outlier 😂😂😂

There's one thing I'm certain of: most Mumsnetters are not people that could be categorised as 'clever'!

I disagree. I find this forum to be full of clever, witty, intelligent commentary, far more so than other platforms.

I think there are different types of intelligence but I went to a very academic university and most of my friends from there and I do seem on the more neurotic and anxious side. I wouldn't say we weren't happy but we do tend towards experiencing more than usual anxiety and existential stress.

I think it goes both ways, I think there's also an intelligence in understanding what actually makes you happy and having the self-confidence to be true to yourself and not worrying about appearances. Some of the cleverest people I know aren't as materialistic as the less clever people I know and aren't so bothered about leading insta perfect lives and comparing themselves to others

Agree with pp though, this isn't about being "clever" as such, it's about overthinking rather than allowing yourself to just be in the moment.

Her anxiety would be causing that, not the other way around.

Intelligence isn’t an issue, mental health issues and sometimes SEN are, and sometimes they can make someone appear intelligent when they’re just obsessed with a topic, or constantly thinking due to ADHD or anxiety

Brilliant 😂

By the way I think "thickos love hen dos" could be a thread in itself

Then maybe you’re not all that clever yourself if you genuinely think that.

The low levels of intellect often shown here is shocking.

I also disagree. I find a lot of intelligence and wisdom on here amongst all the guff.

Nah. I’m well clever and I love a hen do!

I used to think this and thought my high IQ contributed to my clinical depression (and got told this a lot, you carry the weight of the world on your shoulder, you are too clever etc.

I was bothered about world issues and injustice and that got me down but actually I have got much happier the richer and healthier I have got so I think so many variables impact on an individuals happiness it is too simplistic to think it is just down to intelligence.

Errant closed bracket missing there, so much for a high IQ haha!

I was always told anxiety is a disorder that mainly affects intelligent girls/women. Anecdotally I'd be inclined to agree with this.

I agree. A lot of truly clever posts are shot down because they don't conform with the group think. Intelligent people (in general) are often outliers who think creatively and many people simply don't get the concepts they talk about so it's easier to either pretend to understand or insult and belittle them. It's interesting to watch happen.

I have friends who are perfectly clever enough but maybe less ambitious and work in more practical jobs who seem infinitely less worried and happier with their lots. I don't believe I'm particularly more intelligent. More academic maybe but not significantly so. I dunno - I seem to expect more from life and care more about what other people think! I'd swap this any day!

Just go for a walk or a run! Life is what it is and most things turn out to be okay.

More intelligent people can analyse more and this can therefore cause anxiety etc.

However, perhaps if you are more intelligent you would make better choices and have a better paid job, which in turn could make you happier?!

Oh there are lots of clever posters, for sure, but I certainly wouldn't say most

YANBU, we have to put up with idiots hence the decreased quality of life.

I really disagree with your theory and find your post weirdly arrogant. Of course it’s possible to be intelligent without being unhappy or overthinking. I’m objectively very bright but I’m naturally an optimistic person. My temperament tends towards happiness and I’m quick to forgive and forget. I see the best in people. I think that contributes to my relatively happy outlook much more than my intelligence level. My DH is much more anxious and more prone to ruminating. He’s also bright. I think temperament is more relevant here than intelligence.

I've got an MA and I'm about to discover whether I love a hen do or not. I'll keep yis posted 😂

Life is your not situation
A lot of clever people get caught in their mind and think that's their life.

The OP isn’t claiming to be unhappy though.
I enjoy evenings out and seeing people but I cannot avoid noticing the situation I’m in in its entirety, good, bad and puzzling.

Yeah well, better to be Socrates pig, innit? This isn't a new thought.