Creepy, Dude

This creeped me out. This list of "characteristics of giftedness in adults" includes so much of what my life is, so much that I assumed was me and my personal dysfunction....
Here's the link, but here's the list, too, copied directly from the site (I know, my family, too many words!):

Gifted Adults

Behind the cold and impersonal numbers from an IQ test, there is a human being; one with needs, and wants, and dreams just like everyone else. What do they look like, act like, think like, feel like? While IQ has traditionally been the measure to identify the gifted, it has become an increasingly archaic and often criticized form, primarily because of its lopsided consideration of the whole person. Several researchers have sought to identify and explore the personalities and characteristics of gifted and talented people. Below are the results of several of their works.

• A broad knowledge base that is highly interconnected and readily linked to new information
• A striking habit of self-monitoring and self-guidance, personal insight and metacognition
• Demonstrate pliable thinking and unusual perceptivity, an ability to grasp seemingly conflicting perspectives, and to quickly ascertain problems and reinterpret them beyond the obvious, combining intellectual strengths for effective and efficient solutions (e.g. verbalizing imagery)
• Display a preference for complexity, original responses, and novelty, and are watchful of a pronounced tolerance or penchant for ambiguity
• Show a tendency to be excitable, with high levels of energy (not distracted hyperactivity). This may be evidenced by overt expressiveness, by a love of discussion and debate, by an ability to concentrate for long periods of time, multiple interests and multipotentiality, and by complaints of being easily bored.
• Often have a history of uneven or asynchronous intellectual, emotional, psychomotor, language, and/or social development (e.g. reasoning ahead of language skills; complex ideas ahead of ability to sufficiently express; emotional maturity lagging behind reasoning)
• Many chronicle signs of exceptional intelligence, high academic achievement or unexplained underachievement despite exceptional ability.
• Inclined to disclose exceedingly high standards for themselves and others, a perfection orientation, an intolerance for mundane tasks, idealism, and an injurious habit of self-criticism
• Particularly for the gifted female, it is not uncommon to find a self-perception distorted by accompanying feelings of being a failure, a fraud or impostor, or a belief that it is others who are truly gifted
• Often exhibit sensory and emotional sensitivity, difficulty in accepting criticism, and extraordinary empathy and compassion.

They are often passionate dedication to causes, deep concern and worry, overwhelming feelings of responsibility for the well-being of others and the advancement of humanity, and become easily outraged by injustices and inhumane acts

Prone to periods of existential depression

Often display extraordinary goal orientation that coexists with a relentless curiosity

Challenge seems to be more of a need than a want, and feelings of being driven or pressured to understand and excel are the companions of achievement

Entelechy (from the Greek entelekheia meaning full realization, a vital force urging one toward self-actualization) is the sum and substance of their remarkable self-motivation and perseverance

Contrary to popular opinion and faulty expectations of nerdism, the gifted adult commonly shows unusual psychosocial maturity, popularity, charisma, trustworthiness, social adjustment and relationship competence

For many, leadership is a natural role that is upheld by self-assuredness and an excellent sense of humor

Despite their abilities, the gifted experience recurring feelings of isolation and being largely misunderstood. Most have been aware since early childhood that they are inherently different, though they may not know in what ways, and typically believe their differences are disreputable.

Eventually admit to chronic experiences of deep loneliness in spite of a preference for working alone

Many share experiences of criticism for being picky, perfectionistic, or overly-committed to orderliness. Often neither a therapist nor the client will realize it is normal for the gifted to seek security by systematizing.

Fail to respect their own need for solitude, reflection, and time to daydream or play with concepts and ideas

Some may shame themselves when their strong bids for autonomy result in a pattern of butting heads with authority figures when most have never been told that they challenge tradition because of their deep personal values and a reverence for truth and authenticity.