A lot of people have that misconception and you're probably making yourself appear like an idiot so you don't offend them. Some people are so insecure about their own intelligence that they refuse to believe that others are smarter. Instead of recognizing a broader vocabulary, a quick wit, and an inquiring mind as superior to their own, they think the other person is just showing off. It's the ultimate form of narcissism where, in their mind, no one can possibly be better than they are, and if they act like they are, then they must be showing off.
These kinds of people usually don't let you know directly what they think about you. Instead they'll just let their hatred for you simmer inside themselves, letting it bubble out from every orifice when you are not around. They will slander you behind your back and be sure everyone knows just how arrogant you are, and how great you think you are, and how much you're attempting to come off as a smart potato when you're really just a pseudo-intellectual.
I've dealt with these types far too often. I've wasted too much of my time trying to satisfy their 'precious' ego's and avoid social suicide. They are not worth the effort.
Hmmm, I don't think this is my case. I think my problem is that I hold no value in knowledge. I just can't relate to these people who are spewing their knowledge around left and right. All they ever talk about is how much they know of this or how much they know of that. Since I don't really understand why they do it, it just comes off to me as them trying to show everyone else how smart they are. One person says something, and then someone else says, "No, you're wrong. Blahblahblahblah.", and then the one person says, "No, because blahblahblah.", and so on and so forth. It's like they are just trying to one-up each other. Ugh, I always avoid these situations at all costs. If I say something and someone thinks I'm wrong, I'm done. I am just
not going to get into it. I have no love whatsoever for the debate.
So, yeah. Perhaps this is why I make myself out to be not so smart, sometimes. I suppose I shouldn't feel the way I do, though. Obviously people like this see or feel something I don't? I suppose everyone who debates isn't just trying to show off. I guess some people just want to know the truth of things. Perhaps knowledge sparring with others is just their way of finding the truth. Me, though? I'd rather find the truth through wisdom.
Anyway, sorry if all of this makes no sense. Like I said, I'm having a hell of a hard time trying to explain things here.