Yes, children learn from their parents what is right or wrong on up and then learn behaviors that they believe is fine from people they hangout with. So as they become adults if they haven't truly learned who are the positive people to be around and how to take care of their emotions affectively they become who they have been around. Negativity can do quite a bit to people, even a positive person can not be around a negative person for so long.

I believe it is more do to EQ not IQ. There are plenty of people I have come across that may have a high IQ but I find very arrogant in their point of views. That isn't how to live life, you are not always right. EQ has to do with being aware of your own emotions a long with others. When you have a high EQ you are more able to put yourself in other people shoes and not let things get to you.

I am also glad to see you moving forward and realizing it wasn't you.