General Etiquette > Life...in general

"Wow, you must be really smart"

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janeite:
Hello wonderful Ehellions. I mostly lurk, but I'm hoping you nice folks can help me out with graceful responses to the above remark.

People say this to me pretty often, usually when they hear that that: I went to an Ivy League school, I have a bachelor's and master's degree in chemical engineering, and/or I'm currently pursuing a Ph.D. in chemistry.

I never know how to respond to this, or its cousins "I was always really bad at/hated chemistry/science" and "Oh, I could never do that" (usually in an admiring tone).

I know that people are making conversation and trying to be nice, but I'm not sure what to say in response. I usually end up saying something about how I've always liked/been good at science and math, but I was hoping you guys might have some better thoughts.

Oh Joy:
Could you try a modern-day equivalent of 'Then why is my VCR still flashing 12:00?' or some other everyday problem humor?

Twik:
"Why, thank you very much!" is the proper response to a compliment.

It is not wrong to be successful at something, and accepting compliments gracefully is polite. If there's a hidden agenda ("you think you're so hot, don't you?"), ignore it and act as if they had meant it for its face value.

Judah:

--- Quote from: janeite on July 17, 2012, 04:30:39 PM ---I know that people are making conversation and trying to be nice, but I'm not sure what to say in response. I usually end up saying something about how I've always liked/been good at science and math, but I was hoping you guys might have some better thoughts.

--- End quote ---

"It's something I'm passionate about"

WillyNilly:
You can either say "thank you" or "well its dedication as much as intelligence" or (with a big goofy smile) "its 'cause my brain is really supersized*" or "well we all have our passions" and then follow any of them up with a question about the person you are speaking with to change topics (if you want to change topics).

You can also change topics by using a lateral conversation piece, perhaps something about the city the Ivy League was in "eh, chemistry was ok, but I loved Philly so much I decided to stick with it.  Have you ever had an authentic cheese steak?" or "its wasn't so much the chemistry as it was the Red Sox..."



*Song reference to the Dollyrots classic Because I'm Awesome, currently featured in the animated flick Brave

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