<p>When I was in the mental hospital we were listing our problems. I was in grad school (at 19), so one of my main problems was not fitting in because I was smart. Responses to this ranged from "you're being a jerk" to "you're not that smart."</p>
<p>Funnily enough, when I was in a decent school, this was never a problem. Everyone was smart, so smart people fit in. But around "normal" people, you can't mention anything related to your intelligence, otherwise you're arrogant, conceited, etc.</p>
<p>This really bothers me, actually. My intelligence has profoundly affected my life, and I feel that people will never understand me if they don't know my background or where I'm coming from. I don't talk about it to most people, but if you're going to be my boyfriend or my therapy group or whatever, you should eventually know how it felt to be in grad school at 19 or eighth grade at age 8. But of course you can't talk about that stuff, because then you're conceited.</p>
<p>I don't know. I figured maybe here, people would understand.</p>
<p>I think this is so dumb. You are being ridiculous! How could you act like this? Being in 8th grade at age 8 is stupid. Yeah you may be book smart and have annoying parents who think so highly of you but you lack many other things. First off you lack social skills. You don’t go around saying you are smart, that is boastful and arrogant. You also lack so many other things that need time to develop. Everyone is smart but in their own way.</p>
<p>Well, they’re obviously jealous of your abilities so they are trying to discount it by saying you have flaws. It helps them to think, “she is smart, but at least I’m not conceited like her.” Plus, if you’re talking in a mental hospital, where people suffer from depression and the likes, the not fitting in because you’re to smart problem seems like a problem I wouldn’t complain about (in comparison). But seriously, grad school at 19? How is it like?</p>
<p>If you’re surrounded by an average crowd, mentioning intelligence is taboo. It’s analogous to a professional basketball player complaining that he doesn’t fit in with his ‘regular’ friends, because they don’t stand a chance against him when they play a game of pick-up. What would you tell this person? Probably “Quit whining” or “That should be the least of your problems.” </p>
<p>In any context, it’s not really appropriate to mention your superiority to others as a hindrance. Doing so will only cause others to scoff and tell you to appreciate what you have.</p>
<p>strat94 is jealous. Because you are so smart (a quality many of us desire) he or she is trying to point out flaws to counteract your amazing qualities.</p>
<p>I think there is a balance between intellectual conversation and social topics. I enjoy talking about the status of the US credit and rapid deflation, but I also enjoy to talk about the 47 yard run by Felix Jones on Sunday. I think to some if your just totally “immersed in intellect” its hard to be social unless you talking to someone smart or smarter. Everything in moderation!</p>
<p>Uh, strat94, that was completely ignorant.
^I agree with the first one. It surprises many of my “jock” friends that I’m smart, and many of my “nerd” friends that I’m athletic. I can quickly talk about politics and “intellectual” stuff and then I can switch back to a conversation on the Yanks retaking the division (SoxSux).</p>
<p>The only thing that bothers me is when less motivate or intelligent bash some of the ideas or dreams that I and other friends have. Such as some want to start a big business later in life, others becoming a surgeon, and others political offices such as Senator. That’s when it bothers me, but otherwise, I can handle if they call me a nerd! :D</p>
<p>I am absolutely not jealous. I would hate to move up a grade. I enjoy going to school at the pace I’m at. Plus I am intelligent. I just vary my life. You have your whole life to be involved and work, you only have 18 years to be a kid so enjoy it.</p>