Today I'll meet you for a special article that comes in the continuation of my post on gifted adult and romantic relationships. You had the opportunity to discover my opinion about adults at High Intellectual Potential and love. It was therefore a point of view. Internal.
To make the whole a little bit more pungent and original, I wanted to have a review external. And for that, who better in my circle than my spouse, Alex, to tell you his opinion on the dourance and how he does to live with a zebra? (me)
Interview: How does it feel to live with a high potential person?
This is his interview, whose theme is "living with a zebra".
What's a zebra to you? A gifted one? High potential?
Alex : It is someone who is singular, a little different. Someone who is hypersensitive, who has a very busy emotional life. Who apparently has a remarkable intelligence, but who is also sometimes a little detached from reality. But also not found in the majority of people, in the crowd, in the norm.
How does high potential translate into our daily lives?
Alex : Well when we met you didn't say you were at high potential, so it was a revelation, a surprise! Before I met you, I thought it was me who made films in my head, but actually not. I am "in the norm"!
I think you're someone who thinks a lot and still makes movies in his head. You're someone who can stress quite often and doesn't necessarily always control his emotions. For example – you already told it – when I was stressed out about my stuff and so I canceled our date in the restaurant. Shortly after reading your articles, I learned that a minute later you thought it was over and that it was your fault. So no, it wasn't your fault at all.
That's an example, but then I think there's plenty. For example, the fact that you say that there are things that hurt you, like quie balls, or sock stitches. I am surprised that some other seams do not hurt, like those of the underwear. In fact, there are things, little pains, which are not obvious to me but which disturb you and so you have to be careful. Or the fact that you're sometimes too hot or too cold when I feel like it's the same temperature.
What are the benefits of living with a gifted person?
Alex : There are also many positive points! You are of course someone very singular – otherwise I would not be interested. I like you being emotional, even if we don't see him right now. You live emotions without necessarily showing them, and it's something that charmed me. You live a lot of emotions but the others don't necessarily notice them, or they see them. a mask you sometimes wear. So it was very interesting to unmasking you.
What are the disadvantages of living with high intellectual potential (HIP)?
Alex : Sometimes we think you're very capricious. Because the thing about your socks or the room temperature, if you're not prepared, you can see it as selfish and capricious. " I don't like it, I don't like it! ».
Sometimes you stress without saying it and then I feel you're stressed but I don't understand why. Well, now you're handling it better and better. But before that, I could do or say something that wasn't upsetting without me knowing that it got mad because you didn't say it. You had to decipher and sometimes not talk to you for a while while while you're digesting this thing. But you're not necessarily going to say " That's why I'm upset. " No, you're gonna stay in your bubble.
The fact that you're a maniac, I don't know if it's related to that. You want everything to be well organized, you make your Excel paintings with budgets and everything, I wouldn't be able to. You're very productive. Then there's your personality, too. I don't know if everything's due to high potential.
Do you have any advice if you plan to live with a zebra?
Alex : You have to flee right away, otherwise you fall in love and it's too late! Seriously, train your patience. Don't react immediately: sometimes you may think A is A, but A can be B. If your partner looks stressed (and stressed against you!), this is not necessarily the case. Don't rely on appearances because these people may seem capricious or haughty, even difficult (well, sometimes they are a little bit) but you do it, you do it, you get used to it and that's what you love.
Know that they are very sensitive and fragile people and you have to take care of them (as if they were plants!)
FAQ: how to live with a HIP ?
How to manage boredom and frustration in a HIP ?
People with high potential can quickly get bored if they are not adequately stimulated. To avoid this, it is crucial to offer them varied and stimulating activities, both intellectually and creatively. Encouraging diverse hobbies, proposing challenges, and facilitating access to advanced educational resources can help. It is also important to discuss their interests and passions with them in order to better understand and respond to their specific needs.
How to support a HIP in his school career?
School support HIP may require specific adjustments. Regular communication with teachers to ensure that they understand the needs of the child is essential. Enrichment programs, advanced classes, or even class jumping can be considered. It is also useful to develop social and emotional skills to help manage peer relationships and school stress. A flexible and stimulating learning environment can greatly contribute to their development.
What are the signs of emotional fatigue in a HIP ?
The HIP may experience emotional fatigue due to their emotional intensity and increased sensitivity. Signs include irritability, increased anxiety, sleep disorders, and a retreat on yourself. It is important to offer them a space where they can express their emotions without judgment. Stress management techniques, such as meditation, sport, or artistic activities, can be beneficial. Encouraging open and empathic communication is essential to support their emotional well-being.
How to help HIP to develop its social skills?
The HIP may sometimes feel socially shifted. To help them, it is essential to offer them opportunities for socialization with peers sharing similar interests. Participation in clubs, activity groups, or specialized workshops can facilitate social interaction. It is also useful to teach them specific social skills, such as conflict management and assertive communication. Ongoing support and open discussions about their social experiences can improve their confidence and social integration.
How to manage anxiety crises in a HIP ?
Anxiety attacks may be common in patients with HIP because of their emotional hyperreactivity. It is important to recognize potential triggers and learn stress management techniques, such as deep breathing, positive visualization, or relaxation exercises. Professional psychological support can also be beneficial. Encouraging soothing daily routines, providing a calm and secure environment, and maintaining open communication about their feelings can help alleviate distress crises.
