Do intelligent people intimidate you?

Question

I get extremely intimidated by intelligent people. A lot of the time I avoid answering questions here because of that. In person I often become quiet or refuse to comment and act undecided.

I realized that part of this is because of my age. I’m much younger than a lot of the people I associate myself with. My age embarrasses me sometimes, I know it’s silly but I’ve been teased and stuff.

What makes it even worse is how my father tries to pin it on illnesses (he’s currently trying to diagnose me with Williams Syndrome). He says I have nothing to be ashamed of, and that I’m “good enough” to socialize with these people without being worried, so obviously there’s some mental problem prohibiting me from realizing this. I don’t agree with him. I can be stupid without having a mental condition.

Am I being silly and unconfident like my father says or is it natural? Do any of you have problems with this? If so, any advice on how to get over it? Thank you!

Answer 1

Most of the times it happens that we are not sure of our abilities and strength or we doubt if the people around us are much intelligent, wise or knowledgable than us. that's called :inferiority complex." Many people experience this feeling in front of people who are more elder or qualified or experienced or richer etc.

Do not think about people. Just think about your positive points. definately you will have certain things which others do not have in them. Try to recognise your talents and try to exhibit them in front of others. When they appreciate you, you'll get confidence on your self and you will wonder that you are also much smart than what you were thinking :-)

Its all in our thinking ! Be confident and move ahead. Everybody has doubts and insecurites like any of us. Just they hide them in their coat pockets and greet people with a cheerful smile. Why not do the same ??? It works and after sometime, you see that it only works :-) Good Luck. Bye

Answer 2

I think you lack some confidence, yes. But this alone, does not indicate your level of intelligence or an illness. As far as I can see, you've put together an intelligent, legible, comprehensible question, which shows me that your a bright person. And could hold your head up proudly in this forum we call Yahoo Answers. The irony is that this is probably a real good outlet for you to express your ideas and opinions and get over your insecurity about being intelligent, because you can do it here in an anonymous fashion and feel freer to make mistakes, which we all do. Let me emphasize that (WHICH WE ALL DO.) Everyone of us. That's how you learn, by your mistakes. And yes, we all feel a little insecure about ourselves at times, but you can overcome that by giving yourself positive reinforcement and telling yourself, I am a good person and life is a learning process, I'm doing the best I can and I will succeed in the end. As long as you're doing the best you can, you can stand tall in any crowd. You must work on building your self-confidence. Good luck and best wishes.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=%22building+self-confidence%22

Answer 3

When you are younger as you said you are EVERYONE is imitadated of how much older people know. because i have been there when my parents ask me something and i don't know the answer. I am a AB student and i do answer questions that i know. You are not perfect no one is illness or no illness don't let anyone put you down in anyway. Pay attention in school and read and you will know more than what the older people know or even to their level but DO NOT feel bad. everyone goes through that stage even your dad.

Answer 4

Listen...I tell this to all my friends. Just because you lack knowledge in the areas that your friends are "experts' doesn't mean you are stupid. Nobody is stupid: "Stupid is as stupid does". The only stupid thing you can do is to think you are stupid. People call me smart and I have insecurities about not knowing many things my friends do, but then again they have the same issues. Being smart is relative. You can use the biggest words in your language and still be a complete idiot when it comes to your opinion.
Why don't you start reading.

Answer 5

Williams Syndrome is a type of autism which can lead to being anti-social.

Intelligence people often segregate themselves from society. An exaple is Albert Einstein. This is an extreem case of a intelligent person isolating himself from society.

However, you're question is do intelligent people freak me out? No, they don't and I can accomodate my personality to comfort people of extreem intelligence for a little bit ... my uncle is actually extreemly intelligent, and has isolated himself from society ... but I do connect with him and he does not intimidate me in any way.

Answer 6

Most people feel stupid or insecure at times, for whatever reason, especially when your young. When your with these folks be thankful for the opportunity to learn and don't sweat saying or doing just the right thing. We are susceptible to blunders, it;s o.k. You sound like a smart person to me.

Answer 7

I don't think this has much to do with your level of intelligence, but your self esteem. Sounds like you need to get involved in something that you like to do to boost your confidence, and then you won't feel so withdrawn.

Answer 8

Everybody has gifts. The mistake is saying one is more important or valuable then the other.

Answer 9

I like getting them in an area I know about and they don't ...watch them try to change the topic then..LOL