One of my most significant, longest-lasting relationships was with an aerospace engineer. That's right, a rocket scientist! He was definitely more knowledgable about many things.
Unfortunately, what ultimately ended it was his alcoholism, and anger issues.
I don't mind someone knowing more than I do about some things, as long as they aren't
an arrogant asshole about it.

I'm actually unable to answer this. It's a trade-off sort of thing...giving up one thing for another.

I don't see these things as being mutually exclusive. There's no reason you can't find someone with a high level of intelligence and curiosity who is also loyal and trustworthy.

That’s tough. I was with the second example and found myself longing for the depth, knowledge and awareness. I’m holding out for the combo meal.

Trust and communication are key elements in any relationship. Personality and character traits are among the initial attraction and will fail to be maintained if trust and communication are not present.

So, on the sliding scale…trust and the knowledge of having my back is more important.

I'd take number 1 for significant other and get a dog to fulfill number 2.

Had #1 multiple times, I'll take door #2.

I'd lean toward the one who always has my back, is on my side. Doesn't matter which of us has more perceived intelligence or curiosity, as there are so many degrees of both. We can learn from each other, adapt and grow, but I feel you have to have faith and respect in each other.

Thanks for responding all - but if you read what I wrote - I talk about a scale, tendencies, NOT one or the other. NOT either/or , but their lean towards one or the other ...

I’m a fan of finding compatibility, and building trust, in that order. The question was weird. How/why would you connect with someone who was not on your level, intellectually/emotionally? I’ve made that mistake. Usually it’s based around pursuing beauty, over personality.

It all comes down to whether or not She can sleep with the fan on in the winter.

Well, they have to be intelligent or they don’t get in.

My wife has both.

And I like to think that I have too. We complement each other beautifully - we each value our individuality and independence fiercely, yet we value our time together and our shared experiences equally and we make a great team. We take an interest in each other's interests and support each other in them.

It works for us.

This one's a keeper!!!

Trust and knowing the person is there for me is teh more important, by far.

Intelligence and trust. I have had both at the same time in more than one realationship. Without both it will never become a relationship with me.

The latter.

The first one as ive suffered from the second one too much

I think I'd like a little of both.

Because i am so laid back and generally cautious, I have, at times,deliberately made friends who will pucsh me to try new stuff. They were a little umprdictable, but when I was with them I had a lot more fun. However, I do liek my life to remain generally stable.

Definately intelligence/curiosity but unpredictable so long as reason was behind that unpredictability.
I have been in several emotional unpredictable realtionships and they are a drag. I hate the loyal crap because it is simply dishonest. Of course that depends on how one defines loyal.

Intelligent but unpredictable?  Would have to define"unpredictable". Sexually? Addiction? Irresponsible?  Totally trust/rely on but less intelligent?  Why Settle for either?  If neither suits your needs?

Dunno. My ex was highly intelligent but not someone I with whom could discuss intellectual things, politics, or really anything not related to his work, or he'd experienced directly. He also wasn't someone who had my back.

I would prefer someone who is both aware and curious and who ALSO has my back.