The old adage "love is blind" has scientific backing. Early in relationships, we idealize our partner's looks and overlook flaws. This rosy lens extends to intelligence too. Researchers from the University of Warsaw, in a study published in the journal Intelligence, found that romantic attachment leads us to overestimate our partner's IQ—and our own.
Gilles E. Gignac and Marcin Zajenkowski tested IQs in 218 heterosexual couples (averaging 6 years together; one-quarter married). Participants then estimated their own and their partner's IQ. Both men and women overestimated themselves by about 30 points. Women rated partners 38 points higher; men rated theirs 36 points higher. Notably, intellectual compatibility showed no link to relationship satisfaction. We crave smart partners, but it's no guarantee of happiness.
