Do you feel like you don’t fit in with your peers?
While everyone’s into the latest trends and gadgets, you’re in the corner doing your own thing?
When it comes down to it, you feel different to everyone else. But that’s not a bad thing.
Have you ever thought that maybe, the reason why you don’t fit in is because you’re wise? Wise beyond your years, no less.
Well, in this article, I’ve listed 10 signs that you’re wise beyond your years (even if it doesn’t feel like it). Buckle up!
1) You don’t care about materialistic things
You’re not the type to splurge your funds on expensive clothes and gadgets from the most popular brands. So, you won’t buy a Prada bag to be ‘hip’ and ‘in with the crowd’.
You don’t care about none of that! You’ll wear a cheap top you bought from a charity shop, and you’ll wear it loud and proud! You might even prefer to hunt for bargains rather than buy the most expensive thing. As long as you like it, the price tag doesn’t matter.
Experiences hold more weight to you than superficial things like the latest iPhone everyone is drooling over. This brings me to my next point.
2) You don’t follow the latest trends
Everyone in your circle might have the latest iPhone, and they might even badger you to get one. It’s what everyone could be talking about at that moment. But you don’t see the point.
If your current phone does its job, there’s no need to fork out your paycheck to get a phone that does the same thing (albeit with crispier graphics).
You don’t suffer from a bad case of FOMO (fear of missing out) as many people do.
So, you’re not going to hop on the newest social media platform because everyone else is on it or watch a movie of a massive franchise you’re not interested in.
My point is that you don’t follow the latest trends and won’t do something just because everyone else is.
3) You know all about your history
You may be out of touch with the latest celeb news, but if anyone questions you on history, chances are you’ll know a thing or two about it.
That’s because you enjoy learning about what came before you. Old music, TV shows, films, historical figures and events – you’ve got a good amount of knowledge tucked away.
If you’re an encyclopedia of knowledge when it comes to history, that’s a good sign that you’re wise beyond your years.
4) You enjoy spending time alone
How does spending time alone make you wise?
Well, first of all, not everyone enjoys being alone. Many people would much rather have at least one person around them. You see, they get bored and lonely as soon as they’re by themselves.
But you get joy out of being alone. There’re so many things you like doing by yourself. You can catch up with your reading or brush up on a language you’ve been learning. Go for walks and bask in nature, sit with your thoughts, or reflect and journal.
All of this helps to develop your character and grow even wiser (than you already are).
5) You are a reflective person
As I mentioned, being alone also allows you to reflect upon everything. Your past mistakes, goals, relationships, the choices you’ve made, your thoughts and feelings – anything’s up for reflection in that head of yours.
Journalling your thoughts is a great way to get your feelings out there.
It not only helps clears your head and gain some perspective in your life, but it also helps you better understand yourself.
Naturally, having a better understanding of who you are and what you want in life will make you pretty wise.
6) You have long-term goals
One of the things you might think about when you reflect is your future.
In job interviews, interviewers often ask where you want to be in 5 years. For many people, that’s a tricky question to answer because they haven’t thought that far ahead.
But this isn’t the case for you. You know where you want to be in 5 years, or even 10, because you have long-term goals set in place. You may even think as far ahead as your retirement.
You’re wise beyond your years if you have long-term goals you are actively working towards.
Bonus points if you’re careful about your current choices because of how they can affect you in the future. An example of this is choosing to eat healthily and exercise because it will benefit your older self.
7) You’re the one people come to for advice
Another key sign that you’re wise beyond your years is if people seem to offload all their problems onto you and ask you for advice.
They know you’re the best person to turn to because your experiences mean that you have a solution to every problem they have. You’ve been there, done that, and got the T-shirt.
Placing more value on experiences than materialistic things means you’ve probably done more than most people your age. It’s no wonder you have the expertise to advise your struggling peers.
8) You are not quick to judge others
A good thing about being reflective is that it helps you to keep an open mind.
You see, many judge others after hearing only one side of the story or for doing things differently. They struggle to understand personalities that differ from theirs.
But you realize that every single one of us has a story which has led us to our perspectives and choices. You get that not everyone will have the same view as you, and you don’t expect them to either.
You’re ahead of your time if you’re not quick to judge others and instead try to understand the meaning behind others’ actions.
9) You can control your emotions
A noticeable sign of immaturity is someone who reacts off on pure emotion.
When we’re in our feelings, we may make rash decisions we regret later and say things we don’t mean.
A wise person can step back and let their feelings simmer before reacting. And once they’ve calmed down, they’re able to think about the situation rationally.
As you’re reflective and non-judgmental, you’ll try to see things from the other person’s perspective. You’ll ask yourself why they feel how they do or did what they did.
Being able to control your emotions also means that once you’ve composed yourself, you can have a mature discussion with the person you’re upset with to hash things out.
If this sounds like you, then you, my friend, are wiser than most.
10) You care more about what’s on the inside than out
Last but not least. Things like status don’t matter to you. You’re not going to treat someone better just because they have a high-paying job, for example.
If you’re looking for a partner, then superficial things like whether or not a guy is over six feet or has a six-pack are not your top priorities.
While it’s important to be attracted to your partner, you care way more about the personal qualities that your future partner possesses than their physical features.
You care about them being kind, genuine and loyal, not about how much money is sitting in their bank account.
Focusing more on what’s on the inside than out is also another sign that you’re wise beyond your years, even if it doesn’t feel like it.
Final thoughts
If you’re much wiser than your young years, you’re bound to feel like the odd one out.
Ok, so you might not be up to date with the latest trends and gadgets but don’t sweat it. You have many life experiences under your belt. Plus, you know how to keep your emotions under wrap during heated situations. That’s more than most of us.
You have a big brain for your young age, and that makes you a wise one, indeed.
