I knew I was smart, but didn't think I was all that smart (always knew others with better grades or scores). Professionally, especially within the last few years, when I've had anonymous feedback surveys, I've been surprised by the number of comments about my intelligence. I'm not saying that to brag and hope it is a safe comment here, it's just odd to get that from coworkers ("scary smart" is one of the comments that stands out) when I've tried so hard to fit in... for so many years.
This is why I tend to back away slowly when someone starts trying to tell me how smart they are. My experience has always been that someone who is really smart doesn't have to talk about it. People notice.
For example, we might meet some adults at the park, who observe DD and say, "She's really smart." They're not telling me anything I don't already know, but I'm certainly curious how they do, on account of my DD has been running around as a giggle-monster the whole time.
