Intelligence is important, but being smart is just as important - and there is a very sharp difference. "Intelligence" is the mental ability to apply stored knowledge to solve an intellectual or theoretical situation. "Smarts" are the ability to apply information, knowledge and personal intanglible qualities to affect a desirable result to a real-life situation - some fuzzy, ever-shifting, unquantifiable blend of knowledge, common sense, personality and emotional control.
Sperbergers tend to be heavy in the intelligence area but light in the smarts. Unless we plan on a successful career in research science or winning Jeopardy, we get paid by people living in the real world. Becoming smart takes a heck of a lot more practice and effort for us. Start noting how people react to your statements, input or reactions (mentally - don't whip out a note pad). If you aren't satisfied with the results, ask people you trust what they think you could change, TAKE THEIR ADVICE (something else on we Sperbergers are none too keen), note that result, and repeat. It will take a very long time, being much more art than science, but eventually it will become as natural for you as answering Grampa's questions about golf.
Some of the smartest people I know couldn't solve a Sudoku to save their brother's lives, but they are very successful both financially and personally. Furthermore, I've seen more unsavvy certifiable geniuses turn out miserable and destitute than I care to count. We need them both to get along in this world, Kiddo - it took me a long time to figure that one out, too.
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