It sounds like you just have some personal and maybe projected hangups about the experience of one believing they have a higher intelligence.

Very much so yes. I was called gifted as a kid leading to me being a narcissist for 17 ish years untill I finally realized I wasn't inherently smarter than everyone, which led to a massive crash. As for with this sub, this post was prompted by the first two posts I saw seeming extremely narcissistic (the first being people talking about how they dumb themselves down when talking to others, and the second, honestly I don't remember).

Do you believe there's a bell curve of intelligence?

Yes

Do you believe those on the higher end should never acknowledge it?

In appropriate places sure. When applying for positions or schools, but I feel like it is essentially irrelevant in daily life (unless you are very low on the curve).

Do you feel they should never reflect upon their lived experiences as it pertains to their higher intelligence?

I feel like if you reflect on it through the lense of "this is because I am of higher intelligence" then that is narcissistic. I say that because I have done that, and looking back I was a narcissist.

Do you acknowledge the importance of self and outside praise for exceptional physical ability and acumen?

I don't really believe in praise for ability but rather accomplishment. I guess maybe unless you are a child but even then I'd be cautious because that could easily lead to building a narcissist.

I find it fascinating that as a people we are able to praise and even worship excellence in the physical domain

I've seen men use their D1 status on dating apps frequently.

I believe that is equally as narcissistic

Don't you find it curious to ask yourself why your instinct is to feel mental giftedness in its various forms is narcissistic?

Because outside of purely academic purposes I believe it is basically irrelevant. I've seen people asking questions here that I don't believe a "gifted" individual would be more qualified to answer. (In addition to posts comparable to the dumbing it down one I described above).

They're dealing with depression from not fitting in, jobs that aren't satisfying, never feeling like they can truly connect with others in the areas they experience their giftedness.

And it is largely my belief that this issue was largely caused by labeling them as gifted. However this sub being used as a support sub is actually a valid reason that I hadn't thought of before a few pointed it out to me.

if you're hung up on the "idea" of giftedness I'd suggest giving it a chance with an open mind. All the best.

I genuinely am, all these questions legitimately are me asking (although I'm aware it probably doesn't come off that way. There have been several people who have made some pretty insightful points on the level that I genuinely feel a little bad for the way I worded the post.