Does an IQ of 89 Make It Difficult to Make and Keep Friends?

Thank you for the question. In this article, we will explore the relationship between IQ and the ability to make and keep friends, with a specific focus on whether an IQ of 89 poses barriers. Understanding this can help individuals better navigate their social interactions and find the support they need.

Interplay Between IQ and Friendship

While IQ is undoubtedly an important factor in various aspects of daily life, its relationship with the ability to make and keep friends is less pronounced. One key consideration is the emotional quotient (EQ), which plays a crucial role in social interactions. EQ encompasses traits such as empathy, communication skills, and emotional regulation—factors that significantly influence interpersonal relationships.

Factors Influencing Friendship Making

Several factors contribute to the ability to make and maintain friendships, including:

Nature: Introverted vs. Extroverted — Extroverts tend to initiate social interactions, while introverts may find it more challenging but can also form deep connections based on mutual interests. Efforts to Bond — Active efforts, such as joining clubs, sharing experiences, and maintaining regular communication, enhance the quality of friendships. Maintenance of Bonds — Consistent effort to nurture relationships through shared experiences and support. Communication Style and Manners — Effective communication is essential, and proper etiquette and manners contribute to a positive social environment. Personality — Unique personality traits, such as agreeableness and openness, foster strong bonds. Empathy and Tolerance — The ability to understand and support others, even in challenging situations, strengthens relationships. EQ — Higher EQ allows for better emotional understanding and social navigation. Luck and Circumstances — External factors such as social settings and opportunities can influence friendship formation.

The Case of Average IQ (89)

An IQ of 89 falls within the average range and suggests that reading comprehension is largely intact. While higher IQs can bring certain social benefits, they are not essential for making and keeping friends. The ability to form meaningful friendships is more about the emotional and social skills a person possesses.

Natural Social Partitioning

People generally seek friends with similar IQ levels due to shared interests and intellectual compatibility. However, this is not a strict rule. Individuals with an IQ of 89 can and do form friendships with people of varying IQ levels. They are most likely to find friends in professions or social circles appropriate for their abilities.

Example: Workplace Dynamics

For instance, you are less likely to find engineers with an IQ of 89 but common in other job roles where this level of cognitive ability is suitable. These individuals often form close-knit communities within their professional and residential environments.

Implications for High and Low IQs

Extremely high or low IQs can present social challenges:

High IQs may find those with lower IQs boring or simplistic. They may struggle to connect on a deep, intellectual level. Low IQs may perceive high-IQ individuals as distant or out of touch, which can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunications.

It's essential to embrace diversity in IQ and social backgrounds. Mixing friends with varying IQ levels enriches social experiences, providing diversity and complexity to interactions. This diversity keeps life interesting and promotes genuine, deep connections.

Conclusion

While an IQ of 89 is an average score, it does not inherently make it difficult to make and keep friends. Friendship is a multifaceted concept influenced by a range of personal qualities and situational factors. By focusing on emotional architecture, communication skills, and making active efforts to foster social connections, individuals can thrive in both their personal and professional lives.

Building and maintaining strong friendships is about being true to oneself and seeking out connections that align with one's values and interests, regardless of intellectual prowess.