The gifted adult personality – too much for others?

In her post Giftedness in the workplace (on the Talent Psychology site), Dr. Mary E. Jacobsen writes about some of the social challenges of being exceptional and intense, and gifted adults not understanding their own minds and unique characteristics.

The Gifted Adult “No matter how brilliant they may be, gifted adults who have received inaccurate or scant information about what it means to be gifted often have no way to make sense of their unusual abilities, conspicuous differences, or uncomfortable relationships with work.

“Unfortunately, most gifted adults are no better informed on the subject than anyone else. Even if they were identified as gifted youngsters few gifted adults really understand how their minds operate, and most know even less about their innate intensity, complexity, and drive.

“What they have learned is that who they are, what they do, and how they do it are usually ‘too much’ for other people. Throughout their lives most have experienced an array of confusing criticisms about their differences (e.g., ‘You’re too smart for your own good!’ ‘Why can’t you just go with the flow?’).”

Mary E. Jacobsen is author of The Gifted Adult: A Revolutionary Guide for Liberating Everyday Genius.

Also see Mary-Elaine Jacobsen articles.

Related post on High Ability: Social reactions to gifted, talented people