It’s often said that intelligent people tend to be less social, but surprisingly, their happiness doesn’t seem to suffer from this. In fact, they might even prefer it this way.

Do you consider yourself a loner? Are you perfectly content with how you live? Do you ever feel that the idea of needing to have a large circle of friends is overrated? Maybe you enjoy the peacefulness of nature more than the noise of a bustling city. Would you rather cozy up in bed with your partner or read a great book than attend a wild party? Do your parents ever worry that you don’t have enough friends?

If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, you might not need to worry. It turns out that being less social can actually be a sign of high intelligence.

Many of us know that intelligent people tend to be more anxious and more prone to social anxiety because they notice more about the world around them. But there’s even more to it. According to a study published in the British Journal of Psychology, highly intelligent individuals don’t just feel anxious in social situations—they actually prefer being alone, and there’s a fascinating reason why.

So, what’s the reason? The study discovered that evolutionary psychologists have found a connection between how often people socialize and how happy they feel. And it turns out, smarter people are happier with less social interaction.

The researchers conducted a survey of adults aged 18 to 28 and found something interesting: those who lived in densely populated areas, like big cities, reported being less happy. Even more, people who frequently hung out with their friends also felt less satisfied with their lives.

Here’s where the “Savannah theory” comes in. The study suggests that the things that make us happy today have been ingrained in us since ancient times, back when humans were hunter-gatherers. Back then, living in smaller groups of about 150 people was the key to survival. Social interactions were crucial because, without them, life would be dangerous and short.

But here’s the twist—highly intelligent people have a unique ability. They can adapt to the modern world’s challenges more easily and don’t feel the same need for a group to feel fulfilled. In other words, smart people don’t need to “belong” to a tribe to find meaning in their lives. They’re more likely to go off on their own and create their own path.

This could explain why people often feel happier in small towns compared to big cities. It’s called the “urban-rural happiness gradient,” and it highlights how people living in smaller communities tend to report higher levels of happiness.

The sense of community in a small town, where you know the people at your local coffee shop or greet familiar faces on your morning walk, can bring a sense of belonging that’s harder to find in a city where you’re just one person in a crowd.

For highly intelligent people, though, this sense of belonging may not be as important. They find happiness in fewer, closer relationships and in their own personal pursuits. So, if you’ve ever felt more content with a smaller circle of friends or prefer doing your own thing, you might just be following in the footsteps of some of the world’s brightest minds.

What do you think? Does this study resonate with you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!