The Museum of Hoaxes
Women, IQ and Marriage
Posted By:
Razela
Mar 17, 2005
 So I found this VERY depressing.

http://www.marginalrevolution.com/marginalrevolution/2005/03/women_iq_and_ma.html

Unfortunately I don't have a login to read the actual article, but basically
it supposedly says that the higher a woman's IQ is, the less likely she is
to get married.
Category: Psychology, Romance; Replies: 43

Comments
X
in McKinney, TX
 Member
Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 | 01:27 PM
I fixed the URL for you, and yes, you are allowed to thank me!!!
Rod
in the land of smarties.
 Member
Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 | 01:41 PM
I don't think that this study holds much water at all, because there are TONS more factors that go into whether or not you get married than just your intelligence. While it probably does have a bearing, it is by no means the only way that people pick their mates.
X
in McKinney, TX
 Member
Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 | 01:46 PM
WoW Rod, that was kinda Deep. Also, I believe you are right on the money.
thunder
in England
 Member
Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 | 02:18 PM
hmm... i kind of agree, dont mean to sound big headed but i am smart at some things, and I don't see my dating prospects that high. 'Course, I'm in High School so you can only really count this for when I report back in about 35 years.
O_o
Winona
in USA
 Member
Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 | 02:34 PM
Hmmm. I dunnno about the validity of this but.. they say that one of the possible reasons that they don't is that men supposedly want to marry women dumber than they are.

I last tested at 128, my husband at 133 so it holds true for us, if you believe that IQ tests are a valid form of measurement of intelligence. (I think it is only partially true - I've known lower scorers that often blow me out of the water.)

I do have a theory though, that successful marriages need to have two people who are within 10 or so points of each other IQ-wise...
X
in McKinney, TX
 Member
Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 | 02:45 PM
I thinks it is about communication. Some women and men will not marry if they can't have an "On Their Level" intellectual conversation with the other. That in it's own will prevent a relationship. It kinda goes side and side with looks. If one works out all the time and is in great shape, will usually try to find someone that does the same. Very attractive people will "usually" end up with other attractive people. Same for the not so attractive.
Razela
in Chicago, IL
 Member
Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 | 03:07 PM
I agree with you Stephen and Winona. My last boyfriend was a very nice guy, but intellectually nothing was there. It would frustrate me to know end that I couldn
X
in McKinney, TX
 Member
Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 | 03:23 PM
This person was of age, right???? LoL...
The only thing that is a turn off with my girlfriend is that she has no Career goals. Im allways trying to do better. I take risks. Hell, I have too, I don't have a degree (I can kick myself for not getting one). I allways want better, and I am allways looking, I am never satisfied. just 5 yr's ago I was stocking shelves making $18,000.00 a year. Now, allthough some of you might not consider it much, I am at $34,000.00. I have gone through at least 5 different jobs to get here. She is happy with working in a photo lab at Walgreens making $8.00 an hour. I try to convince her to become a manager, but wants nothing to do with it. She doesn't think she has the brains. I know that is bull shit.
Charybdis
in Hell
 Member
Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 | 03:41 PM
One of many, many factors affecting this might be that more intelligent women are much more likely to be pursueing careers or higher education and thus be less likely to get married at an earlier age.
I can say, definatively that smart women are not interested in me. The only women I've met who really wanted to go out with me were intellectually somewhere near clods of dirt. An incredible turnoff. I'd much rather be with someone who understands the things I say and doesn't just sit there with a blank look on her face.
:long:
X
in McKinney, TX
 Member
Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 | 03:58 PM
Only 1 time I have dated a woman that was much more intellectual then I was. She was older then me, by about 5 yr.s. Had a BS in this, a Masters in that; You know, that type. The only reason, and I mean, THE ONLY reason she was interested in me was because I played guitar. She considered me a "Bad Boy" type. She showed me her world, Nice Dinners, Wine, upscale parties. I tell you what, This freaked me out and I felt like a looser when I was around "HER" people. It was because of her why I did what I could to move up. That relationship lasted 6 months. I ended it when she brought up marriage.
Winona
in USA
 Member
Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 | 04:11 PM
Can't blame her, I'm a sucker for a guitarist too.
Razela
in Chicago, IL
 Member
Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 | 04:20 PM
I only tend to date musicians, though I will go for a non-musician if he still understands music. In fact, if a guy I don't know asks me out, I ask him "do you know what a french horn looks like?" and if he doesn't know then I turn him down right there. If I tell a guy I play the f. horn and he doesn't know what that is then frankly, he isn't worth my time.
Smerk
in to mischief
 Member
Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 | 05:55 PM
Definitely a sucker for the guitarists...they seem so nimble with their fingers! Plus the whole serenade thing could be nice...I find that I get on better with guys who do know a few things about music.
Hairy Houdini
Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 | 08:14 PM
I just wrote a song, while playing my guitar... I call it: "She don't like conversation, but she loves a cunning linguist"... Where's my saxophone?
Cathy
Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 | 09:25 PM
I've got your saxophone right here, Hairy.
Citizen Premier
in spite of public outcry
 Member
Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 | 09:35 PM
As far as I know, it's not deemed as appropriate for an intellectual woman to get a charming, studly husband as it is for an intellectual man to get a trophy wife. So perhaps smarter women hold out for smarter guys, who just happen to be ugly nerds; and in the long run they end up lonely.
Now quickly, Razela, tell me what a didgeridoo is!
Hairy Houdini
Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 | 09:36 PM
The vibratory trill of a reed instrument resonates in many ways, many places, many times. It's King to be Goodman
Hairy Houdini
Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 | 09:45 PM
The Digireedoo is reedless, but makes up for that fact by it's great length, and sturdy, low tones
Hairy Houdini
Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 | 09:48 PM
Some people liken close proximity to a digireedoo while being played, as akin to sitting upon a speaker (with the bass on 11) and rotating
Citizen Premier
in spite of public outcry
 Member
Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 | 09:53 PM
Hairy, I want to tell you to get your mind out of the gutter, but for the life of me I can't tell what you're talking about.
Hairy Houdini
Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 | 10:04 PM
Allow me to quote the title of The Knack's 2nd album: "But The Little Girls Understand"... The "little" part is kinda weird, but that WAS in the 80's
Rod
in the land of smarties.
 Member
Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2005 | 12:10 AM
"But The Little Girls Understand"

I'm guessing that Michael Jackson will never do a remake...
Boo
in The Land of the Haggii...
 Member
Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2005 | 02:36 AM
Well, as has been said, intelligence doesn't have a lot to do with it, except in terms of how compatible you are.
But then I'm biased, as I'm 24 and have been married for almost four years.
What I find a lot more relevent (in my personal situation) is background. We grew up in similar families, who did similar things.
Actually, it turns out his mum and my dad have known each other for years (considering we look quite alike, it's a good thing they've only known each other for sixteen years).

Anyway, where was I?
Oh yes.
Well, he's the one with the science degrees, I'm the artist. I'm also excellent at English and read almost constantly, but he's the one who's good at computers. We make a great team.
So, in summation, that's a load of ole sh*te.
dog
Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2005 | 06:34 AM
Keep in mind that the study refers to "likelyhood" of getting married, not an absolute, so there are many people who will not fit the scenario. My theory is that smart women see other opportunities early on and postpone marrying without recognizing that the longer you postpone, the more likely it is not to happen at all. As for music, I'm strongly challenged in that area, but I do believe that it is another category of intelligence in itself. All intelligence isn't measured by books and degrees. For myself, I'm working on the degree because the guitar didn't work out. Wish me luck.
X
in McKinney, TX
 Member
Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2005 | 07:26 AM
Hey, There have been many a times when I just about slammed my guitar against the wall. It is a never ending battle!!!! But hey, some women go after the frustrated musician type.
Maegan
in Tampa, FL - USA
 Member
Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2005 | 08:58 AM
...and some people marry for all the wrong reasons. Also, I can't think if my husband and I ever sat down & compared IQs. I have better grammar than he has...but not as well as...an English professor.

He & I came from similar backgrounds (broken home), similar education (we both graduated highschool, he went to tech school), and the sex was good!
Caitlin
Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 | 04:52 PM
Actually, it's the higher a woman's IQ, the less she would want to get married! :lol:
Lydie
Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 | 09:40 PM
I heard somewhere that an IQ test refers more to how "testable" you are rather than your intelligence (sort of like the SAT, I guess--it's how well you can take a test)...there's another intelligence test that I took in high school that tests seven different kinds of intelligence (audio/musical, visual/artistic, writing, something, something, I forget the rest) that's supposed to be a lot more accurate. BTW I feel the pain of everyone who's been in a relationship with someone who's not intellectually up to your level...I have an amazing boyfriend, but when it comes to conversations that involve thinking, he's not exactly the brightest crayon in the box. It drives me NUTS.
Rod
in the land of smarties.
 Member
Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2005 | 07:24 AM
That's good, brightest crayon in the box.

I've never heard that before. Gonna have to use it on my sister.

:cheese:
X
in McKinney, TX
 Member
Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2005 | 07:44 AM
I think most ladies like a guy that seems more intelligent. I know that a guy's ego can get in the way if the woman seems to be smarter.
Mr. Boner
Posted: Tue May 31, 2005 | 09:16 AM
Razela, that's just silly. "do you know what a french horn looks like?". Why should that matter. That would be like me turning someone down because they didn't like me turning someone down because they didn't know what a synthesizer is. What the fuck is a french horn anyways?
String Bean
in love with himself
 Member
Posted: Tue May 31, 2005 | 10:04 AM
I like purple...


As to intelligence... I have an honours, but when I am out of school I am the least intellectual person out there. I mean I laugh at my dog licking himself. I find a person who is enjoying their life attractive. You can be a genius, and if you don't have fun good bye. But, on the other hand, you can be merely competent and be a fun person and I'll love ya.
Maegan
in Tampa, FL - USA
 Member
Posted: Tue May 31, 2005 | 10:52 AM
Mr. Boner, it matters b/c Razela doesn't want to be with someone who isn't familiar with something that is a large part of her life.

If a large part of your life involved synthesizers, you'd probably want someone who at least knew what it was.
Charybdis
in Hell
 Member
Posted: Tue May 31, 2005 | 01:04 PM
I played violin for eight years. Does that make me a frustrated musician? If so then maybe I can start using it to get me some chicks. :coolsmile:
Razela
in Chicago, IL
 Member
Posted: Tue May 31, 2005 | 08:51 PM
Yep, Meagan is exactly right. I tried dating a guy who knew nothing of basic musical concepts and had never played and instrument in his life. Music is a huge part of my life, yet I couldn't even talk to him about it because he just didn't understand. It was too frustrating. "What is a french horn" is a very easy question for anyone who knows even the basics about music. Only the basics is all I require.
Maegan
in Tampa, FL - USA
 Member
Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2005 | 06:34 AM
Well, if you're asking an Frenchman what a French Horn is...he won't know. The French call it an English Horn.
Maegan
in Tampa, FL - USA
 Member
Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2005 | 06:34 AM
...just in case you were interested in any French guys. Oui Oui.
Razela
in Chicago, IL
 Member
Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2005 | 10:39 AM
Nah, the english horn is a whole different instrument though.

Info about the French horn can be found here:
http://www.dsokids.com/2001/dso.asp?PageID=261

English horn:
http://www.dsokids.com/2001/dso.asp?PageID=155

Wow, the F. Horn has 12 feet of tubing. No wonder it is so damn heavy!

Heh, what do the french call the french horn?

Horn de France?

Yep, now you know the extent of my french =)
Charybdis
in Hell
 Member
Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2005 | 10:51 AM
President Shrub calls it the "Freedom Horn".
😉
LaMa
in Europe
 Member
Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2005 | 10:52 AM
Now I could start to make some great puns here....

But then, that is my superior IQ, which a.o. expresses itself in word associating, even in foreign languages.... 😉
DayDreamer
Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2005 | 02:10 PM
I want a girl that can have a conversation better than, "Hi. How was your day? I'm tired. <insert tv show here> is on. So-and-so is sexy."

Seriously, if a girl has no genuine insights about the world around her, and all she can do is state basic opinions and the obvious, I literally cannot stand to talk to or be spoken to by her. It's like a distraction from useful or entertaining thought.

That's not to say I don't care about people like that. A close friend of mine is borderline retarded, and I'd kill anybody who took advantage of her, but I can't carry a conversation with her. I do enjoy teaching her things, though.

Anyway, that was off topic. Personally, if I met an intelligent, intellectual girl, I'd be all over her. And if I managed to find a girl smarter than myself, I'd take as much advantage of that as I could. After all, it's easier to improve when you've got someone smarter or more experienced around to help.

It's nice to be able to be cohorts/partners in whatever projects/schemes the two of you can come up with. Plus, it makes the sex better. Creative sex rules. 😉
DayDreamer
Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2005 | 02:13 PM
Eh. It cut out "(insert tv show here)" from my post, due to my use of the carrot characters used in HTML.
Sergio
Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 | 07:14 PM
I really prefered smart women because you can talk to them, but if she is way smarter than you than she will just not respect you (because they think that a man should know what to do in the difficult situations), in other words women don't want to become their husband's mom, so they look forward to smart men. Also when a man is smart he tends to have a good job, and therefore good wages, maybe money is the real atractive in the case of smart men, not only intelligence. I am a scientist and I don't have many girls chasing me (OK I don't have any) but I like to think I am not stupid. So I guess money is more important than IQ for men.

Note: This thread is located in the Old Forum of the Museum of Hoaxes.