This article combines my personal experiences and reflections on being gifted with my professional experiences and theoretical frameworks regarding the subject of (extreme) giftedness.
I use temperament theory to present four fundamentally different perceptions of authenticity and of giftedness, while explaining my own preference. The more someone’s giftedness is beyond average, the more having a connection with real peers and an awareness of the “hardware” differences with one’s environment becomes increasingly vital for an effective and satisfactory interaction and a more accurate self-image.
It is my experience that this self-image unfolds over the years, often in leaps, as old convictions of one’s personal complexity and intensity prove to be incomplete and obsolete. It takes conscious effort to regain personal balance in using these new-found aspects of one’s gifted identity.

Paragraaf-titels

• Temperament and authenticity
• Temperament and perception of giftedness
• Extreme giftedness and authenticity
• How complex is extremely gifted authenticity
• When sensitivity is extreme too
• Happy ending
• References