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The Unofficial New Members’ Guide – an Intro to Mensa...

Explaining Mensa to Friends . . .

Mensans are often shy about mentioning  their membership to others We call this being a “closet Mensan.” When someone asks about Mensa, simply say, “It is an international organisation for people with high lQs.” If they like you, they may tease you about being in Mensa, or they may ask for more information and eventually join, or they may simply say something nice like, “Well, I always knew you were smart!’ If they don’t like you, they may say something hostile. They would probably find something mean to say even if you hadn’t mentioned Mensa. High intelligence, just like high creativity and high achievement, often causes hostility in others that must not be taken personally. Don’t bother explaining Mensa to those who seem antagonistic.

Being smart is like being rich or   pretty. You are partially responsible for some parts of it, but not for all of it. So you can take a little credit and be a little modest, but you definitely shouldn’t be ashamed Admitting you’re a Mensan is not the same as calling someone else dumb - it is a very good way to accept yourself and come to terms with your own differences. High intelligence is just one of the qualities that make you a unique human being. Welcome to the group! 

 

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