I know, YOU probably think otherwise, but the people I know don't. I wouldn't call myself a geek/nerd, but people seem to know me for the fact that I'm smart. Sure I know the answer to a question the teacher asked that most of my fellow classmates don't, but is that bad? I'm not the kind of guy who corrects your grammar when you talk to me, but I also don't try acting dumber than I am. I'm pretty sure I'm not arrogant, but I don't hide the fact (I don't show it off, either) that I get good grades. What bothers me is that people (girls, especially) only seem to notice the smart thing about me, not the fact that I'm a good listener or that I can do more than solve a math equation. What am I doing wrong? Should I really hide the whole smart thing? Any questions you have about my problem I will try to answer with additional details.
2007-08-15 10:49:00 · 17 answers · asked by Stupid Flanders 4 in Family & Relationships ➔ Singles & Dating
I meant to say: Why IS being smart considered a bad thing? I got carried away...
2007-08-15 10:49:36 · update #1
It seems a little odd that people around me think I'm so smart because I actually use words that are longer than 7 letters. There are some situations in which I can't find a word to describe the situation without going over the "7-word limit".
2007-08-15 10:57:41 · update #2
Oh, sorry I didn't mention this, but I'm barely in middle school (I'm 14, going into 8th grade), so I know I'll have to "endure" a couple more years of this.
2007-08-15 11:03:04 · update #3
I'm a guy...
2007-08-15 11:13:17 · update #4
I experienced this issue when I was a teenager. It wasn't "cool" to be smart. Well, at least to what seem like the "cool" people in school.
What I have seen and realized now that I am an adult is this. Most all of the people who didn't think it was cool and who made fun of smart people are losers now. They have no money, no job, and most importantly no dreams or aspirations.
I used to hide the fact that I was smart in school and now wish that I didn't. It is hard to look at the people now who are doctors and lawyers and they could have been my friend now, if I wasn't so scared.
What really matters is that you find people that you can relate to. You are in school for your education, not for popularity. I know it makes it harder in school if you are not accepted. But, you need to find a happy median.
Pretending like you are smart holds you back from things that you normally wouldn't be held back from. You need to look inside yourself and build your confidence. If you are hanging around the right people, they can also bring you confidence and let you shine.
Good Luck and God Bless!
2007-08-23 09:21:18 · answer #1 · answered by kristen_who 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Eh.. I'm having the same problems you are. I'm in the top 5% of the country (for my age group, which is 14 also but I'm a freshman), so yeah, I'm pretty smart, and I know exactly what you're going through. Usually, I just try not to answer all the questions I know I can answer, solely because I know I'll get 'those' looks - you know which ones I'm talking about.
Also, try helping other people out with work. They'll see your intelligence as something good and handy. Caution though, don't help people ~too~ much, or they'll rely on you for everything, and get mad when you don't give them the answers (-_-)
Good luck :)
2007-08-15 11:56:39 · answer #2 · answered by :) 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I know it seems that way in high school, but it changes once you enter the real world. Most adults value intelligence over "coolness". I would much rather be with a man I could hold a conversation with than just a pretty face. Don't hide who you are. If the people around you don't get it, they never will. I was kind of in the same boat as you when I was younger and my life is so much better then it would be if I had "dumbed" myself down.
2007-08-15 11:01:34 · answer #3 · answered by Loki's Mommy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Allright man, at this age, the girls around you are with the mentality that "bad boys" are the hottest thing around, and the smart kids are lowest range. I was in your situation, now I am 22 and things change.
Sure even in university you will get the girls who go for the bad boys, but they are very few since it's hard for them to make it in (or to) college, the majority grows up.
Let me tell you what I did, I kept my nerdy self and when I turned 18 also did my research on fitness and hit the gym.
2007-08-23 09:26:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey, who said that being smart is considered
bad?You should know that modesty is not always a good virtue.So long as you are not consumed with your own importance,it is fine.By all means,you can flaunt your smartness.Only don't let it graduate to hubris.
Be absolutely proud of yourself.But always
remember to be humble and polite where
warranted.With your smartness it should be possible for you to maintain a perfect balance
between being rodomontade and over polite.
Best of luck to you.I have a feeling that you have a great future.
2007-08-23 09:01:11 · answer #5 · answered by ramchandra b 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OMG! I feel the same way. Just because I am smart, people think that I am a nerd and they judge me before they get to know me. It is so annoying. I don't flaunt my grades or anything. I can't stop getting good grades cuz i have to get a scholarship to go into college. I think that people are just intimidated by it sometimes,(not meaning to sound totally conceited). I am a really nice person, but people tend to judge me. But I can't help it. I love my friends that accept me, and I like guys who have good grades!!!!! Really hope that I helped, I am going through the same thing!
2007-08-21 09:11:07 · answer #6 · answered by Fook Yu 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. Just be yourself. You should not try to hide the fact that you are smarter than most. Be proud. "Keep learning".
Do you think Bill Gates cares about what other people think? NO! He is his own person. And because he did what he believed in, look where he is. He sure doesn't have a hard time with women.
2007-08-23 09:01:51 · answer #7 · answered by †Evonne† 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi there - you are right. My son just graduated from Highschool and I found that throughout school, boys particularly did not want to be labelled as smart. For whatever reason, its super cool for boys to be really good at sports, or good at a musican instrument like guitar - but it is considered nerdy if they are too smart. All I can tell you from experience is that will all change. You don't want to change yourself just to be popular right now. You sound like a very intelligent boy and very mature for your age. Just continue to be yourself and go on to university. Then you will meet all sorts of different people who are from different backgrounds and you will realize that you were great all along.
2007-08-23 06:45:33 · answer #8 · answered by aja5505 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep living love...being smart is HOT!!!
When your young and in high school, it may seem cool to be a slacker, but nerds rule the real world. Keep up the good work, shake off the haters, and in 10 years, we'll see who's popular.
2007-08-23 08:17:09 · answer #9 · answered by simplepleasures 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hey keep being smart..its not a bad thing..sure u have some years ahead of u to go but once u go out in the real world everyones gonna wish they had gotten better grades..and remember boys like smart girls ;)
2007-08-15 11:06:31 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋