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!
Please don’t mistake this treachery as an effort of men. Those are efforts to trick you, not an effort to impress you in the right way. Never ever get fooled by foolish attempts like this. It won’t get you in a good place.
Unbelievable. Men are getting creative with their dating tips. Not a good thing though.
If a guy even texts an outside source and you catch him doing it, DATE THE OUTSIDE SOURCE!
I’ve seen ladies do this too and I know someone who’s even close to me that does this. She sits in coffee shops with a book, all alone — yes, so that she’s perceived as highly available to men. Deep in thought — trying to look like she shouldn’t be disturbed. Yet, the moment you have your eye on her, she’s like a deer stuck in the headlights. The moment you start talking, she’s like a lion that’s stalking her prey. She’s such a pretentious b****. But it works well for men. She even has black glasses to make her look geeky, even without grade.
Wow, that’s lame of her. She just wants to score a date!
This could never work on me. My resting b. face repulses men in general.
Such an effort to even look at the book that you’re reading just so they can google it ASAP.?
Ha ha ha! Very true.
Come on ladies, hate all you can about how men pretend. But some of you do it too. Some high maintenance ladies even pretend not to be high maintenance. They try to be “boyish” just to make it seem like they’re outgoing and “one of the boys” type of girl. I’ve seen girls who pretend to love video games, only to tell us that Zelda is the guy with the green hat. No, he’s Link and you’re not a gamer. We all pretend sometimes just to impress people who we are interested in. But it all takes a different dive once the liar gets caught.
If a man is good looking and he claims to be a a bookworm, question that already. ?
Always be wary of people like this. If they can trick you using something as intricate as this, they could trick you with almost anything.
If a man really loves to read, it’s him that you could barely shut up once he starts talking about a book he loves. People’s eyes glow with passion when they talk about something that they love. Look for that authenticity in their eyes. If you get smirks and not looks of passion, you’re just talking to a pretentious guy. I have a guy best friend that loves to read and I swear he could talk about books all day and never get tired. There are just very genuine insights about the book that you can’t find anywhere over the internet. That’s the real deal.
First of all, no one ever said that women don’t pretend either. We have our fair share of pretentious moments.