Are guys intimidated by smart women?

Question

I feel like this is a stupid question, but I want to hear what you think...

Do you think that a man WOULD NOT be interested in a woman with a PhD? Or would this be viewed as a good thing?

Your answers are very interesting so far! I think that you bring up good points (gender roles, etc.)...

I happen to be working on my PhD, but that doesn't mean that I think that I'm smarter than other people (that's why I ask about intelligence in general) so the smart RN example works for me...

I thought that turning-off-the-PhD-with-lights thing was great. Ha!

Answer 1

Depends what kind of man you are talking about. The question seems to imply that ALL men are of the same mind and we know that just isn't true.

Exactly what men are you talking about here.

The average pot bellied, beer swilling, uneducated numb skull would certainly be intimidated by academic achievement ( He also has a chip on his shoulder about anyone he sees as 'privileged' ) and he would demonstrate this by his show of arrogant aggression, not to mention any derisory comment or insult he could dredge up from the furthest recesses of his thick skull.

Then there is the swarmy lounge lizard, the wannabe, the poseur who, the moment you saw through his patter would just quietly slink off and try to find some one a bit dumber.

Then, of course, you have the normal, well balanced kind of guy who is OK with himself and the world. His standard of education is irrelevant. He is open minded and intelligent. He doesn't have any issues. He will recognize you as a person and appreciate you breadth of knowledge.
He will be so relieved that you are not the average numb skull that he will, at the very least, want to have a conversation with you.

If you think an education woman is a problem with guys, then you are seeing the wrong guys!

Answer 2

I do not think it has anything to do with intelligence. I think it has to do with gender roles. With the PhD comes focus on career, strong personal convictions, etc. Many men want women who will be.....well subordinate is not the right word but perhaps more traditionally feminine and softer. Hillary Clinton is not a bad looking woman but the way she carries her self is enough to run any man off for instance...If the man is secure though he should appreciate the achievement. Of course there are some of us out there who seem to love the blond airhead but if you have PhD I am sure you are smart enough to steer clear of those sorts.

Answer 3

HI THERE FOLKS IT'S SWEEPING STATEMENTS TIME
ON YA

I find stupid people are sometimes intimidated by intelligence. (btw as long as she turned off her PhD along with the lights I see no problem.......)

However, men are far more likely to be intimidated by intelligent women than women are to be intimidated by intelligent men. Intelligence in men usually acts as an attraction magnet - as women are not generally used to being treated as intelligent by men.

But back to your question - no intimidation here the only thing more appealing in a woman than a PhD is a cut glass public school English accent. The two together make a heady
irresistible cocktail.

Answer 4

Only when trying to get in their pants is intelligence intimidating. For something long term, conversation is a must and just an annoyance with a non-thinker. Stupid men are intimidated by smart women by a useful human instinct not to dilute her DNA with their own.

Answer 5

There are different types of guys.

Type1- Really doesn't care about a women's intelligence, he just cares if she looks good enough for him to sport around and for him to be dating. He'll find the personality of a woman attractive simply because he finds the woman physically attractive.

Type2- Loves smart/intellgient women. Usually is a guy who has very strict moral standards and is engaged with the world and what's going on around him. This guy usually is one of those classifable "nice guys" and will appreciate the value of a woman's intelligence more.

Personally, I am really attracted to smart women and women going for any kind of post undergrad degrees because it shows me they have ambition and motivation. I have friends, however, who do not give a rat's butt about how educated a woman is. Come to think about, I don't consider it a dealbreaker or not, but it definitely is a plus in my book.

To answer your headline question, a woman with a phD wouldn't intimidate me nor would I think it would intimidate any other guy (and if it did then the guy is simply a wimp).

DO NOT LISTEN TO KIA. Many women think men are intimidated by professional women just like women might be intimidated by professional men, not true. Usually the women who think men are intimidated are the ones who don't get regularly "picked up" or "hit on." Not to say you haven't, but that's usually the case.

Answer 6

My wife is very smart. She doesn't have a PhD, but she does have her MA. I think it's a turn on to think that a smart woman chose me for her husband. Are a lot of men intimidated by strong, intelligent women? Absolutely! Look at all the comments in the politics segment about Hillary Clinton. If you look at history, she has done nothing really that affects our lives. Why do those men hate Hillary so much? She's a strong, smart woman and that scares them to death.

Answer 7

I can't speak for all men, but I'd definitely be interested in a girl with a PhD. I suppose a lot of fellows would be intimidated by it, though.

Answer 8

It is more about a man's self image, ego, and confidance. He has these, he won't be intimidated. If he doesn't, are you sure you want to be in a relationship with someone who doesn't. Keep looking. There are a lot of guys out there who would be proud of you, even if you are more educated. And remember, education is not the true test of intelligence, or worth.

Answer 9

I would view it as a might damn good thing!!!!! that is me, OK!

Now the other part of your question. its depend on the guy and the woman with the PhD. From the woman view, she might wants a man who is at her level of intellectual. Being with a guy who is not might be very boring to her. From a man view, he might feel that he is not smart enough to be in control to make good decision to please her. this is why I said ....depends.....

Answer 10

Boys are intimidated by smart girls.

Men who are secure and mature appreciate intelligent women.

I work in a male-dominated profession, I'm the only female on a project involving a team of seven engineers. They all treat me with respect as a peer. Outside of work, the men and women I date seem relieved to be with someone who can hold a stimulating conversation.

So the answer lies in WHO you are seeing.

Good luck!