Intelligence can be taught, but common sense is more innate — and it’s in very short supply.
It’s one thing to be book smart or a deep thinker, but if you don’t have some level of basic discernment and sound judgement, there’s a problem. Here are some signs you (thankfully) have common sense in spades.
1. You always check if there’s toilet paper before sitting down.
Because there’s nothing worse than being caught out in a loo with no roll. It’s a rookie mistake you learned to avoid ages ago. This simple habit has saved you from countless awkward situations and frantic calls for help.
2. You know better than to believe everything you read on the internet.
Sure, that article about dogs learning to speak might seem convincing, but you know to fact-check before sharing it with all your friends. Your social media feed isn’t cluttered with fake news or outlandish claims because you take the time to verify information before passing it on.
3. You don’t put metal in the microwave.
It’s not rocket science, but you’d be surprised how many people need to learn this the hard way. Not you, though! You’ve saved yourself from potential kitchen disasters and costly appliance replacements by following this simple rule.
4. You always keep a bit of money saved for emergencies.
Life has a way of throwing curveballs, and you’re smart enough to be prepared. That rainy day fund has saved your bacon more than once. Whether it’s an unexpected car repair or a sudden dental emergency, you’re not caught off guard when life decides to get expensive.
5. You know when to keep your mouth shut.
Sometimes, the wisest thing to say is absolutely nothing. You’ve mastered the art of knowing when to pipe up and when to zip it. This skill has helped you avoid unnecessary conflicts and maintain better relationships with both friends and colleagues.
6. You don’t leave your drink unattended at a party or bar.
It’s not being paranoid, it’s just playing it safe. You know better than to take unnecessary risks with your well-being. This vigilance extends to watching out for your friends too, making sure everyone in your group stays safe during nights out.
7. You read the instructions before assembling furniture.
Unlike your mate who ends up with a wonky bookshelf and a pile of leftover screws, you actually follow the manual. It saves time in the long run. Plus, your furniture actually looks like it’s supposed to and doesn’t wobble precariously every time someone walks by.
8. You know not to spend money you don’t have.
Source: Unsplash Credit cards aren’t free money, and you’re not about to fall into that trap. Living within your means is just common sense to you. This mindset has kept you out of debt and given you a much healthier relationship with your finances.
9. You double-check that you’ve locked the door.
That extra second it takes to jiggle the handle is worth the peace of mind. Better safe than sorry, right? This habit extends to other areas of your life too, like making sure you’ve turned off the oven or unplugged your hair straighteners.
10. You don’t share your passwords with anyone.
Not even your best friend or your gran. Some things are meant to stay private, and you get that. You understand that keeping your digital life secure is just as important as locking your front door.
11. You know how to change a tyre.
Because waiting for roadside assistance in the middle of nowhere isn’t your idea of a good time. You’ve got this covered. This self-reliance extends to other basic car maintenance tasks, saving you time and money in the long run.
12. You don’t believe in get-rich-quick schemes.
Source: Unsplash If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. You know that real success usually comes from hard work, not miracle solutions. Your scepticism has protected you from falling for scams and dubious investment opportunities that have trapped other people.
13. You always wear sunscreen.
Future you will thank present you for protecting your skin. It’s a small habit that makes a big difference. You understand that prevention is better than cure, and this mindset extends to other areas of your health too.
14. You know how to cook at least a few basic meals.
Source: Unsplash Takeaways are great, but you also know how to whip up something edible in the kitchen. It’s healthier and cheaper in the long run. Plus, your cooking skills come in handy for impressing friends or dates without breaking the bank.
15. You don’t gossip about your co-workers.
Office drama isn’t your cup of tea. You keep things professional and avoid the rumour mill like the plague. This approach has earned you a reputation as a trustworthy colleague and has probably saved you from a lot of workplace headaches.
16. You back up your important files regularly.
Because technology can fail, and you’re not about to lose all your work or precious photos to a crashed hard drive. Your diligence means you’ve never had to explain to your boss that you lost an important presentation due to a computer meltdown.
17. You know how to budget your money.
Source: Unsplash You’ve got a handle on your finances and know where your money’s going. No nasty surprises at the end of the month for you. This skill has allowed you to save for things that really matter, like holidays or big purchases, without resorting to credit.
18. You don’t text and drive.
No message is worth risking your life or someone else’s. You keep your eyes on the road, not on your phone. Your commitment to safe driving extends to other responsible habits behind the wheel, making you a reliable and trustworthy driver.
19. You know when to ask for help.
You’re smart enough to know you don’t know everything. Asking for help when you need it isn’t a weakness, it’s just sensible. This humility has allowed you to learn new skills and solve problems more efficiently than if you’d stubbornly insisted on going it alone.
20. You always keep your petrol tank at least a quarter full.
Source: Unsplash Running out of fuel in the middle of nowhere? Not on your watch. You’re always prepared for unexpected journeys. This habit of staying prepared applies to other areas of your life too, like keeping a well-stocked pantry or a spare house key with a trusted neighbour.
21. You don’t make big decisions when you’re emotional.
Whether you’re angry, sad, or over the moon, you know it’s best to wait until you’ve cooled down before making important choices. This level-headedness has saved you from making rash decisions you might have regretted later, whether in your personal life or career.
22. You know how to change a light bulb.
It’s not rocket science, but you’d be surprised how many people struggle with this simple task. Not you, though! Your practical know-how extends to other basic household maintenance tasks, making you the go-to person for friends and family when something needs fixing.
23. You don’t believe everything you hear.
You know the importance of fact-checking and critical thinking. Just because someone said it, doesn’t make it true. This healthy scepticism has helped you form well-informed opinions and avoid falling for common misconceptions or urban legends.
