 "Dumbing yourself down" around your peers?
tonia: I would love to post a hugely insightful reply but I'm really struggling with that.All I can say is that I know exactly how you feel and I completely understand your problem, which is why I find your description of your problem perfectly clear. Either someone KNOWS what you mean or they don't. Simple as that.From my experience, it is impossible to explain this particular "problem" to anyone who isn't in the same situation without being accused of arrogance or ignorance.For me, it is the curse of being an intelligent, semi-geeky, extrovert and intellectual young woman. I'm a bit of too many things, which means that I don't really fit into any group. But honestly - I wouldn't have it any other way, because I am grateful for the intensity and depth of my emotional and intellectual life. Although I have to admit that it can be a bit lonely at times. But then again - who doesn't feel like that sometimes?Fortunately for me, I'm slowly learning to attract like-minded people, who don't need an explanation. Having at least a couple of people who just "get you" is crucial for sanity, although they don't have to be geographically close.