Nope, you're not! I have the same problem that you have about vocabulary though..the best thing that I can suggest about this is to simply work on it :) My own way of working on it is by reading and understanding at least two words from the dictionary everyday. Maybe you can try that too.
I don't think you're dumb. Intelligence isn't measured by vocabulary or number of friends. You have good job and no debt.
The people that I find dumb are the ones who create immense amounts of debt without thinking about it or planning to get rid of it. You have a college degree, something many people give up on having or never even try. I don't have many friends either, but that doesn't reflect on our intelligence.
I meet a lot of people through taking fun classes like pottery or cooking. Take a class or pick up a new sport, since you sound athletic :) As for the vocabulary, it doesn't sound like any specific disorder, like dyslexia. It doesn't sound serious.
But if you're embarrassed by it or want to change it, I'd recommend reading more and looking up words you don't know. People who read have a broader vocabulary. Also, read the news more.
You are not dumb! Hope I helped :).
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.