However, some of what people think is arrogance on my part is not actually an exaggeration of my abilities; it is what I am truly capable of doing and knowing. I've been snidely asked, "You think you're so smart, don't you?" The honest answer is "Yes." This is not exaggeration on my part; it is fact. There are few tests I have taken in my life where I did not score in the 99th percentile (unfortunately, one was the PSAT where I only scored in the 92nd percentile because I followed a teacher's test-taking strategy advice of not guessing on answers that I wasn't certain were correct). Still, I can't figure out a Rubik's Cube without looking up the patterns online.
I've also met my share of idiots over the years. I get especially irritated at people who are smart and capable enough to know better, yet who continually fall for the same stupid misinformation time and time again ("A wizard should know better!"). Yet I also have to be careful to not fall into the trap of believing that people who think differently than me are stupid. It is in underestimating an "opponent" that I find myself in the most awkward situations.
I also have a pretty good understanding of my weaknesses. Sometimes, it takes a while to convince Janelle of those weaknesses (although she's sometimes quick to point out others), especially when it involves fixing something (such as the roof or the shower drain) that is beyond my skill or ability. There are some skills that I know I need to practice more, and some areas where I realize that I am completely out of my depth.
Probably, the biggest issue with my arrogance is my hero complex. I want to be able to fix everyone's problems, save the world, etc., and thus often step into situations that I have no real means to improve. In a similar vein, I love knowing things and sharing what I know. Yet, it turns out that not everyone wants to hear what I've learned, no matter how interesting it might be to me. This is especially true if I have come to a conclusion that they have not yet realized or would prefer to deny.
This is likely something that I will struggle with until my dying day. Still, I'm working on it. It's just so hard when there are so many stupid people out there, and I'm so awesome.