What's Wrong with Brainiacs?

[supermitaines]

I think the brain thing is a double edge sword because if you're to outward about your knowledge, you're concidered cocky and if you don't people wonder if you're smart at all... And it is true that many men are scared of women who are smart, I think they're just intimidated...

 

[Fly_White_Guy]

Personally, I have gotten nothing but dumber since I joined the Army. I went from a 3 year Mechanical Engineering student to the airborne infantry... We make up jargon just so we don't sound as stupid as we are. I've lost 90% of my knowledge. And if a girl wants to talk about politics, for me it's an immediate turn off, not because there's anything wrong with discussing it, but I have such a wild perspective that I only really converse with other soldiers about it.

I also find most girls say a lot of things turn them on, but in practice, it's confidence and money. One can usually make up for the other. Oh, and it helps to smell good.

 

[ddyslilfairyprincess]

Fly I have heard that from several people who have joined the military. I too have an odd outlook on politics so therefor I only discuss it with my dad who I love to argue with. I agree with you on confidence being a big turn on but have to disagree with you on the money. Money tends to make men act like obnoxious brats.

 

[popcorn2721]

There is nothing sexier to me than a man with a big brain who's not afraid to use it!

After my thoughts get rejected a few times, I usually dont push the issue...If someone (my date for instance) wishes to remain in the dark-ages who am I to deny them. It does piss me off when someone assumes that just becase your trying to set the record straight, that your trying to make them feel stupid.

 

[GldnAngl]

After my thoughts get rejected a few times, I usually dont push the issue...If someone (my date for instance) wishes to remain in the dark-ages who am I to deny them. It does piss me off when someone assumes that just becase your trying to set the record straight, that your trying to make them feel stupid.

That is an excellent point. I have a now-former friend who was very fond of correcting me when I discussed politics, specifically how our system of government works. I am a political scientist, so I feel quite confident in my knowledge of, for example, the separation of powers. His figurative patting me on my head really got tiresome after awhile.

But, again, he is one of the pseudobrainiacs I was discussing earlier.

And, FlyWhiteGuy, you should've joined the Navy! But don't worry, that Army stank washes off pretty quickly

 

[noodle_knocker]

I think the brain thing is a double edge sword because if you're to outward about your knowledge, you're concidered cocky and if you don't people wonder if you're smart at all... And it is true that many men are scared of women who are smart, I think they're just intimidated...

I have always found that you generally don't need to prove you are smart to people - they will usually figure it out if they want to, unless you aren't - LOL. As far as men being scared of smart women, well that is probably true. But is it also true that women are sometimes afraid to be smart - they are worried about intimidating the man. The first time I heard this (from a woman friend) I almost fell out of my seat - I couldn't believe it was true - why would anyone want to act less intelligent? I wouldn't want to be with anyone I didn't think wasn't intelligent.

LOL - I felt I had to say this just to show you how smart I am .

 

[ddyslilfairyprincess]

Noodle you are so right about some women acting stupid just to please a man. This is a pet peeve with me. I see it every day. I love my intelligence and feel if a man can not handle an intelligent female, he has issues and probably should stick with the dumb ones.

 

[greeneyes666]

One of my friends in high school would do that, turn on her dumb-blonde act. What really pissed me off was that it worked so often - guys seemed to love explaining things to her, especially when she gave them that big-blue-eyes-I'm helpless look.

 

[lonelyinsnowlan]

I think a good example of brainiac vs. intelligent is the most recent season of Beauty and the Geek. Chris, one of the first men voted out, was a braniac, pure and simple. He thought that he was the most intelligent, the most brilliant, before he ever met any of his competition. The other men? Just intelligent. Brainiac is an attitude, not an aptitude.

I love intelligent men. My dream is to eventually marry a man who is smarter than I am. I don't mean that statement to sound "brainiac", but let's face it, there's a lot of stupid people out there who LIKE being stupid! I love conversation with intelligent people who aren't trying to impress me- we can talk about ANYTHING. I feel like there are no limits to what topics we can dicuss.

I remember "dumbing down"- one of my bf's was not at all on the same level I was, but he was really good in bed... but I definitely didn't let my intelligence show with him for fear he would feel even stupider. It's stifling. I grew more dissatisfied with the relationship for that reason alone.

 

[supermitaines]

I have always found that you generally don't need to prove you are smart to people - they will usually figure it out if they want to, unless you aren't - LOL. As far as men being scared of smart women, well that is probably true. But is it also true that women are sometimes afraid to be smart - they are worried about intimidating the man. The first time I heard this (from a woman friend) I almost fell out of my seat - I couldn't believe it was true - why would anyone want to act less intelligent? I wouldn't want to be with anyone I didn't think wasn't intelligent.

LOL - I felt I had to say this just to show you how smart I am .

I think the thing about not wanting to intimidate a man is true, I know that some of us, me included, seem to be intimidating without even saying anything. And it's not a question of beauty, it's a question of...I don't know, but it,s hard enough to attract a guy when you're not the image of perfection, if you out-brain him, it's clear that you'll never get laid...ever!

 

[INeedLove]

I agree. Having intelligent conversation is only possible if the other person is on the same or higher level than you. I dislike the notion of "dumbing" down for a date. But, I am the type who shy's away from conflict. So if a person is discussing a topic and pushes the issue, I tend to shut down or attempt to change the topic. I think some "brainiacs" don't know when to stop belaboring a point to show they are right. That's when the trouble starts.


Does this make any sense???

 

[Bad_Bad_LB]

I don't go into a conversation thinking I'm smarter than other people, I don't try to talk like I know everything to everyone, I don't think other people are dumber than I am.

But often I get a reaction from people, they appear to be angry, they take a dislike to me, and I am taken aback because I do not understand what I did to offend them.

I've gotten a bad reaction because there are times I won't say anything to people when I hear them saying they think I am a smart ass, then they wonder why I won't even say "Hello."

I definetly feel it's a two edged sword, and it's very frustrating.

I speak like I speak, I have the knowledge that I have, I have the education that I have, I have the experiences that I have, I can't change that.

And when I try to relate to people, many are put off, they act like I am intentionally trying to be offensive, patronize or otherwise put them down.

 

[Bad_Bad_LB]

Gee! Bad_Bad_LB you must be a "phone", oops, I mean CIT guy. People tell me I know a great deal, but I certainly do not think I do. So, I hope I don't come across as "knowing everything", that kind of attitude gets me going too. We all can learn more and as well, we all make mistakes.

If I don't intentionally try to flaunt my knowledge, and people act as if I do, what should I do.

If I don't say anything people say I'm standoffish and rude.
If I talk then I'm being a smartass, know-it-all.
If I try to learn more common knowledge (I.E. Sports) then I'm still showing-off my sports knowledge.

"So I hope I don't come across as knowing everything" that attitude gets you going?

How do I avoid that if I'm not intentionally doing it.

Should I carry a checklist of topics, so that I can have each person check what I'm allowed to discuss when I try to make polite conversation.

I don't watch TV so I'm lost on Lost, 24, American Idol, Survior, etc..

 

[Fly_White_Guy]

I don't know how you can seriously say money in general isn't a turn on for women. At the very least we have to say that if having lots of money isn't a turn on, then not having money is a turn off. And that's perfectly reasonable, because a man who can't provide for himself probably has some other issues. There's no shortage of gold digging women, though. Men go after mostly looks and women go after confidence and money. I stand by that statement.

As for joining the Navy... I don't think so.

 

[lonelyinsnowlan]

I think the attraction of a man having money is not because he can buy me things, but he can provide security for me and the family I hope we have someday. There's something safe about a man who has enough to take care of his woman. And being taken care of is very important for women, even us independent ones.

 

[ddyslilfairyprincess]

Fly yes, not having money is a turn off but a rich man is not a turn on for me. I do not use a guys yearly income for making a decision on if I should go out with him or not. I guess you could say I have simple tastes in men.

 

[noodle_knocker]

A long winded rant ...

When I think of 'brainiac' I think of some cartoon supervillian intent on ruling the world, with an abnormally large head in which you can see the creases of the brain through the skin. I hope no one fits that description here. I also haven't heard that term since junior high - lol.

I think alot of people who feel that have to show they are smart are lacking in self-confidence. And of course those people are really annoying. Hell, I have a brother-in-law who makes Cliff Claven look like he actually knows something. LOL. I think the best way to show you are smart, but not be obnoxious about it, is to actually listen. I like to hear what other people think (as long as they are not obnoxious about it, so strike talk radio from the list), and because I actually listen, feel like I can pose intelligent (and hopefully non-threatening) questions. And lets be honest, everyone likes it when they are asked to talk about themselves.

As far as women falling for men with money, 'all else being equal', damn skippy! All men would fall for richer women rather than poorer, if everything else were the same too. Of course 'all else being equal' isn't true. To generalize beyond that, is, well, a generalization. Some women value money more than other things, just like some men value breast size. Good thing too - 'cause if everyone valued the same thing, poor slobs like me wouldn't have stood a chance, unless chicks valued smart assed, slightly fashion deficient men with some income potential, but not much income. Everyone (at least those with a measure of self-esteem) is looking for someone who is 'better' or at least 'equal' to them, in whatever way they define it. I think if those values don't match up between two people, then they should probably be looking elsewhere.

Oh, and for the record, I do have a disproportionally sized head compared to my body (I have a real hard time finding hats that fit), but you cannot see the creases of my brain. There is ample evidence the large head actually is due to the fact I have a very thick skull, and not anything inside it.

 

[Fly_White_Guy]

Personally, and this is just my own thinking, I don't give a damn if someone thinks I'm smart or not. I try to behave as an intelligent human being because life is hard, and life is harder if you're stupid. If someone recognizes that, then great, if not, whatever. If that's a turn off for a girl, then so be it, because I've had women turned off of me for many silly reasons. People are silly sometimes, and when some girl pisses all over your self-esteem you have to just bite your tongue, grab your beer, and walk over to any of the other ten million women at the bar.

 

[uksilverlining]

What is your hobby, what interests you. I bet your a brainiac on a subject that I have little knowledge of.

Looks dangerously close to a definition of narrowmindedness maybe?

 

[Bad_Bad_LB]

Looks dangerously close to a definition of narrowmindedness maybe?

What I'm saying is that people have different things they are "Brainiacs" on, someone might be into NASCAR and can name the drivers, owners, teams, who's won what when.

Someone may be into roses and can tell you a multitude of information about roses.

Someone may be into cats, dogs, birds, etc...

Some subject other than math, science, history, reading, the subjects that are the basic precepts of the IQ test.

So I may be better in math or science, or reading that someone, but they would have knowledge in some subject that I don't.

I was looking to expand the horizons of "Brainiac" not limit them, so I asked, what subject interests you, what is it you pay attention to, wherein lies your passion?

 

[GldnAngl]

That's a great point: someone who is able to engage me in their passion catches my attention almost every time.

 

[rydia57]

Brainiacs? They're not turnoffs. I think Brainaics are only turnoffs to jock guys and jock girls. Give me someone that can hold a great conversation, and totally match my geekiness and I'm totally turned on. Some guys don't talk enough... some find it very hard too, so IMO, brainiacs are a turnon... mmmm you know how to talk about Stephen King and Final Fantasy.... just play with my boobs and tell me more...ahhhhhh

 

[noodle_knocker]

That's a great point: someone who is able to engage me in their passion catches my attention almost every time.

Lol - so how do you feel about atoms?

 

[GldnAngl]

Lol - so how do you feel about atoms?

*giggle*

Tell me what you love about atoms.

 

[tolyk]

I agree. Having intelligent conversation is only possible if the other person is on the same or higher level than you. I dislike the notion of "dumbing" down for a date. But, I am the type who shy's away from conflict. So if a person is discussing a topic and pushes the issue, I tend to shut down or attempt to change the topic. I think some "brainiacs" don't know when to stop belaboring a point to show they are right. That's when the trouble starts.


Does this make any sense???

I don't agree with the first part of your statement here, for one thing if you think it is only possible to have an intellectual conversation with someone on the same or higher level than you, where does that leave the person who is on the higher level? Do you think they are fully enjoying that intellectual conversation, since the person they are talking with is apparently on a lesser level.

I don't think you need to be an intelligent person to participate and enjoy in an intellectual conversation. To be able to discuss a myrid of topics in an intelligent manner isn't a gift many people have actually, I mean, we do run out of subjects that we specialize in eventually, and who wants to discuss the same topics repeatedly?

I personally enjoy conversations with anyone who takes the effort to have one. I mean, even the dumbest person you ever meet will have a different perspective on an issue, and although they might not convey it in the best manner, it still might give you a new insight on at least one topic.

Well, there's my 2 cents