Not quite sure why this is, but “Pseudo-Intellectuals” are definitely one of the more unfortunate things I’ve noticed in the dating world. You may remember that classic scene from Good Will Hunting, where Will shuts down a pseudo-intellectual who is trying to pick up a girl at the bar. “My boy is Wicked smaht!” If you don’t remember, here it is:
Sometimes it begins with an animated discussion about certain books, authors, stories, how they affected so-and-so’s life, and oh… how the list goes on. Other times it begins with an awkward conversation, one that happens so slyly underneath a blanket of vodka tonics that the victim doesn’t notice the embarrassing amount of fallacies that they’d usually point out if sober. Often times it doesn’t even occur in an intoxicated situation; rather it could be in a normal conversation at a coffee shop. You’ve seen that guy sitting near the window looking down into a thick book filled with impressive words and philosophies, but what you don’t realize is that he’s looking up to make sure you notice.
“Do you read?” No? Oh. Gasp.
The media is all over this too! Blogs have begun to pick up on the sudden attractiveness of men reading. Various other sites, books and movies depict the dreamy man as a smart, refined, beautiful gentleman. So of course guys are going to try and be perceived as such!
The sexuality and power of intellect is undeniable. But whether it’s intriguing insight or raw knowledge, which is what? In reality, it’s not so much the pick up lines or the questions that get us peeved, but rather when that someone begins to lie about books they’ve read or even the one you’re reading for the sole motivation of getting in your pants.
Don’t worry gals, for here are quick and easy tips on how to avoid these fallacy-filled predators:
- If he says he’s read the book you’re reading, get specific. If this guy really has read this book, he’ll remember distinct characters or scenarios.
- If someone is staring off into the sunset in a contemplative manner or reading a monster of a book, double check to make sure he isn’t looking around to make sure people know he’s a deep thinker. Deep thinkers are normally too lost in thought to realize it.
- Check his Kindle to make sure he’s not reading cliffs notes! Or worse, contacting someone on fiverr for information about a book.
- Eye contact. This goes for any time you’re picking out a liar. If their eyes are going off in the distance or they get fidgety, keep your guard up.
Unfortunately, when it comes to literature, it’s easiest to sling BS and get away with it. Themes can be abstract, interpretations can vary and sometimes even if we’ve read the book, some facts don’t stick with us. It may just take a little luck for them to slip up with their facts. Or it just might be a gut feeling that he’s angling for something more than your home library. Regardless, you deserve to be treated with the respect to not be lied to!
I’ll leave you with this: Go out there, be brave, and brace yourself for the storm of new wave pseudo-intellectuals dotting the seas of the dating world. Happy hunting!
Don’t get tricked by lame stuff like this ladies.
Catch him lying and rub it on his face that you know what he’s doing. He’ll walk away immediately without any argument.
If someone was really smart, there’s no need for them to brag about it. People who have traits like this are naturally humble. They don’t need to yap about intellect because they can prove it without even trying. It’s not just being smart, even being knowledgeable about certain tasks doesn’t need to be bragged about because a person who really knows what he’s doing can back it up. I absolutely despise people who are like this. It’s not even just men who do this, women actually do this too. ?
100% true! It’s natural for them to be humble. No brag-athon needs to be involved.
I must admit, if a man memorizes parts of the book just to impress you, he must really like you. It doesn’t mean you should give him a chance though!! Haha!
Guys, don’t ever think that you can get away with something as lame as this. Try harder.?
Cool idea: Make the dude write a reaction paper for that book. See if he plagiarizes. ?
Let’s draw a line on this one. My current boyfriend has known me for years before we started dating. Yes, he did his research on every book that he saw me reading. He asked around and even borrowed every book that I checked out in the library. But the difference here is that he did read that book. He said he did that because he wanted to know who I was by reading every book I seemed to love. It wasn’t because he was trying to trick me. It was mainly because he wanted to love the things I also loved. I just got a little offended on the part wherein a man would even research a book that you like and blah blah. My man never pretended to be smart.
I don’t think that it’s the same concept as this article though. I completely understand your sentiment but the article is stating a different thing.
This article could have explained why men would really do this. I mean, is it really just because of sex?
What else does media have to ruin for all of us? Media has always contributed to a lot of crap in this society.
How much of an idiot can a guy be if he’s pretending to have read a book that he probably just googled the plot? This is so crazy that it makes me want to cry. I thought women were insane when they pretend to be someone that they aren’t. But for a guy to even memorize something just to hit on you, I’d give them an A for effort. But c’mon guys, pretending could only work to an extent. I don’t think this could work to the point that they could get into the girl’s pants. They’d be busted by a book lover before they even get to the plot twist. ?
Totally true, it’s very rare for bookworms to get lied to by something like this. We take reading too seriously ?