Stupidity

Sometimes I wonder if I come off as a particularly stupid person. I mean, I do have a big stupid laugh, I'm immature about 85% of the time, I have my "blond" moments, and occasionally I don't understand something.

But make no mistake, I am one smart cookie.

However, I'm constantly amazed at the way perfect strangers speak to me in such a way that implies I'll only understand if they use short, descriptive words.

I almost expect if from the guys in the garage when I take my car in to have something repaired. Suddenly having one of the belts replaced turns into a list 15 items long, ranging from crap like "new windshield wiper sprocket" to "replacement trans-ducer on the rear carburetor". And these are things that I apparently must have done in order to avoid another, more costly trip to the garage when something really bad happens.

Oh really? Well why don't you make me a list of everything you just said, and I'll think about it. Then it's "Well really, it's not even safe for you to drive out of here today without at least getting all 10 axles replaced."

Honestly! The way they talk I have to check to make sure I'm not a walking stupidity cliche; playing with my gum, twirling my hair, wearing a tight t-shirt, and cocking my head to the side while nodding in a concerned matter.

I often find too that when people ask me what I do for a living and I tell them I'm an editor, they're surprised. I'm not entirely sure why that is...but then I begin to wonder - is it just me? Do I actually look stupid? Or come across that way in my speech? Or is it because I'm a woman? Do I look too young?

*sigh*

I don't know what caused this outburst - no one has spoken to me like I was stupid in...oh, I don't know...months? Apparently I'm just feeling defensive. Oh, and I'm gearing myself up for my next trip to the garage...