Is it normal that i act dumb when i'm not?

62% Normal
25 Comments

I've done this a lot in the past few years; if not most of my life, and have now just started to really take notice of it. I do it almost subconsciously, then later when I think back on the conversation, laugh at why I wasn't able to answer honestly, or correctly.

I'll even act dumb when it comes to common sense type questions, and am now starting to think that my mom's catching on. Most of the time my answers will consist of "Oh, really?!", "Woah" or "Ahh, I never knew". Basically, over-exaggerated airhead answers, to sum it up.

Also, I'd just like to clarify that this isn't just the odd time I do this, or I wouldn't be concerned. Literally 80% of conversations will play out like this. Does anyone else do this? Or is there any scientific reason as to why I feel the need to lie, or act dumb?

Note: I'm female, in my early 20's & this is most certainly not gender related. I do this to everyone.

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62% Normal
Based on 121 votes (75 yes)
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Comments ( 25 )
  • Gumball
    10 years ago

    Is it because of impulse? You submit to answer questions in that manner because you've habitually done it therefore is a sort of reply mechanism. Or is it out of nervousness? When questions catch me off guard or conversations I tend to answer back with minimal elaboration. Or maybe you have a disinterest towards lengthy conversations or putting your own thoughts forward. When I am not paying attention to conversations my retort would be, Ohh really? Almost, sarcastically.

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    • Moogle
      10 years ago

      It's like I go into autopilot and although I paid attention to the conversation, my immediate answer will just be like one of the ones I've mentioned. Even if the conversation's gone on for awhile, I am still able to focus and comprehend everything that person has said.

      Although, you've mentioned nervousness; I do have social anxiety & try very hard to avoid conversations when given the chance. I rarely reply to people online that way, it's just when I'm face to face, or over the phone.

      Even if I do find out the reason behind doing this, I'm wondering if there would even be a way to get out of this 'habit'. I doubt they've made medication to change the way you speak to someone, heh. :P

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      • Gumball
        10 years ago

        One way to break it is to put yourself in social scenarios where you would be forced to answer with nothing less than a sentence. There's also therapy for social anxiety. There are people when put into a one on one conversation that are just awkwardly standing by petrified of social literacy. Start of with group conversations where you won't be carrying most of the burden of talking to others. When someone asks you a question, stop think about what you should say back before blurting out anything non-sensical. I wish you luck.

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  • squeallikeasacofpigs
    10 years ago

    I hate girls that do this.

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  • disthing
    10 years ago

    I'd hate to pretend to be more stupid than I am. I'm already adequately stupid on occasion to warrant disappointed looks :P

    I think it's unhealthy and dishonest of you. You should be proud of the knowledge you've acquired in life, not ashamed. It sounds like you fein ignorance and enthusiasm because you think that is what is expected of you, and to a certain extent we all alter our behaviour because of social expectations.

    But 80% of the time means the impression you're giving the world of yourself is inaccurate, and that could lead to relationships being founded upon falsities and dishonesty. Try and be yourself as much as possible.

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  • [Old Memory]
    10 years ago

    Alot of people act dumb to fit in, I used to do it around people all the time. Not let on that I know what I know and think how I think.

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  • dirtybirdy
    10 years ago

    I act like a dodo because, well, I'm a dodo.

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    • MisterDam
      10 years ago

      It's sad to think of how near you are to extinction :(

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  • Askyouknow
    10 years ago

    It's a habit. And I do sometimes do that but now I try to be more truthful as I don't like it when people does the same thing to me.

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  • Username125
    10 years ago

    I do that too but I don't make my sarcasm obvious I feel that those who catch on are on my level...you will find that a lot of people are smart on trivia but not so much with human interactions, that is a gift but I wouldn't go overboard with it you should learn who and when that type of behavior is okay otherwise you will have more people calling you dumb than people that get you...which will be few.

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  • MisterDam
    10 years ago

    "Ignorance is bliss when 'tis folly to be wise"

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  • ygrowup
    10 years ago

    It is a coping mechanism for many, but it soon becomes a habit that is hard to break. Your much more desirable to be around if you put this crutch behind you! Good luck with your choices

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  • set4life
    10 years ago

    I remember at school there was this one girl that would always act like that. She was actually quite intelligent but would act dumb in order to get attention.

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  • gummy_jr
    10 years ago

    That annoys the shit out of me. If you did this around me I'd hit you with a salmon

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    • SangoNyappy
      10 years ago

      What a waste of salmon, you could've cooked it.

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  • Terry...
    8 years ago

    Sometimes women act dumb if they are around men. They think that men like the "dumb blonde" act even if they're not blonde.
    Since you have social anxiety, you might be doing it because to share any intelligent thoughts may lead to further conversation and questions about what you said. That is something that probably scares you.
    Try getting therapy for your anxiety issues.

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  • LostAndBroken
    10 years ago

    Yeah I do it a bit. I think it's mainly to not seem like a smart arse.

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  • Wh0Ar3YoU
    10 years ago

    Are u hot? Trying to provide a more accurate answer if you answer my question

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  • auburnsin
    10 years ago

    I do it to get what I want or get out of a jam. An innocent look followed by " huh?"
    Or a look of amazment followed by " really? I truly apologize I did not know." Of course I use my southern accent.ha ha
    Got out of receiving 9 tickets within 2 yrs ha ha . =)
    Of course

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  • EccentricWeird
    10 years ago

    If this is your writing when you're not pretending to be done, god help you when you are...

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    • Moogle
      10 years ago

      When I'm not pretending to be 'done'?

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      • EccentricWeird
        10 years ago

        I was a little addled some time ago.

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  • Elliemental
    10 years ago

    Like you I'm a female in my 20s, I've been tempted more than once to play dumb especially when I've been treated like a moron! When it comes down to it I just can't do it! Not to put the person in their place but more because their actually wrong about something!

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    • MisterDam
      10 years ago

      *they're

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  • Terence_the_viking
    10 years ago

    Sure why not.

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