Confessions of a Super Snob
May 22nd, 2008 by Kateastrophe
I have come to the realization that I’m a total snob. I’ve tried to deny it for years, but it’s true.
I think I’m better than a lot of people. I also think I’m smarter.
There. I’ve publically said it. And now the world knows I’m a snob.
I have this problem where I have no poker face. Every emotion I have shows clearly in my eyes. So when someone I think is an idiot starts saying idiotic things to me, que readable face, and the whole world knows. I’ve obviously known about that for a long time, but I’ve tried to be more conscious of it, and other people’s reactions to it. In doing that, I’ve discovered that I spend about 80% of my life giving people the “seriously, did you just say that out loud” look. And people notice. And I’m pretty sure everyone I interact with thinks I’m the world’s biggest brat.
Around my girlfriends, it doesn’t matter so much, because we’re all known for sort of . . . saying what we think around each other. We used to make each other apologize when we thought we said something funny that clearly wasn’t. We’re all sarcastic and love to banter, so when in their company, I am safe to make whatever face I please. Plus, I don’t think I’m smarter or cooler than any of my friends, so they are free from my snobbish judgments. They are all amazing and I aspire to be a little like each of them.
My family is the worst. We have sort of an “eat or be eaten” mentality and we prey on the weak. We gang up on the weakling of any group and divide and conquer. So around my family, we pretty much treat everyone like an idiot until proven otherwise. I blame my Dad. He’s Mr. Intimidation and loves making people uncomfortable by treating them like they are less than him. Don’t get me wrong, I love my family, and once you’ve shown you can hold your own, praise is abundant. You just have to hold your own . . . and most people don’t want to. We’re one of the most fun families you’ll ever find in the world . . . but we’re also the most harsh and critical. It’s a double edged sword that I have learned to appreciate.
I was raised to have great self esteem. I always thought I was prettier, skinnier, funnier, smarter and all in all greater than I probably ever have been or will be. I go through life with confidence, knowing I can accomplish the things I want to achieve. I AM smart. I AM beautiful. I AM funny. I am a lot of great things, I’m not going to lie about that. I just need to be careful not to let my self confidence stomp on other people. Knowing I’m smart doesn’t make me the end-all of knowledge. Being attractive doesn’t give me the right to walk around like I own the world. Being successful at my job doesn’t give me the right to be disrespectful to someone struggling to make ends meet. I’m not saying I intentionally behave that way . . . but I’ve caught myself in the bad behaviors a lot lately. And it’s making me uncomfortable.
I try to be a nice person. I have a kind heart, I am never intentionally cruel to anyone. I’m fun to be around, I love to laugh and I love fiercely and protectively . . . I just don’t tolerate dumb idiocy very well and it’s getting harder and harder to be part of my “inner circle.” I am trying to be more aware of my attitudes and behaviors. I try ask myself the questions “who am I to judge who is smart and who is stupid? Who am I to think I’m better than anyone?” My new life goal to be more humble, more grateful, more generous, more forgiving, more understanding. I’m going to need a lot of help. I just have to humble myself enough to ask God for that help and then accept whatever comes my way, because we all know asking God for humility can really come back to kick you in the butt. Yet, I’m asking for it. Humble is what I’m going to be.
It’s just hard when I’m so freaking awesome. (KIDDING! Seriously.)
- Posted in The Awesome Continues
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:06 am
K, THIS was hilarious. I so don’t think you’re a snob, but it’s probably because I’m too big of a snob to realize a fellow snob. I too have tried to be a better person to others. It’s so easy to find the bad in people, but if you look for the good you’ll certainly find it. I could go on and on and get deeper about this, but hey! This is your post, not mine. Maybe we should chat on the phone later, since we’ve been dealing with this kind of stuff lately. Oh, and seeing the good in people? Yeah, I really tried yesterday, but I have to be a HUGE brat for a second. The girl walking to her car in the Target parking lot the other day in hot short, heels and a tank top? Yeah…not a lotta good there.
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:25 am
Hmm. I’m pretty snobby. I judge people on their intelligence- that’s my worst category. I am also extremely judgmental of people who wear clothes that show off a body that maybe doesn’t deserve showing off. That’s something they can help, at least. Also? Have the same un-poker face problem you do.
In the past, I was very open-minded about people on the intelligence factor. It wasn’t until I started being in charge of people and training them that I got so snobby. Matter of fact, I was complaining to my then boss about the receptionist, who could not catch on to my old duties, and I thought she was being lazy and spiteful. He said: “Your problem is that you expect people to be as smart as you are, and most of the world just isn’t.”
Does that give me permission to be snobby?
May 22nd, 2008 at 12:34 pm
You ARE better. And smarter. And frickin awesome.
May 22nd, 2008 at 1:44 pm
i think we’ve all got some snob in us. and yes you are pretty dang awesome
May 22nd, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Oh I’m a super snobby snob too. I really try to not be but honestly, you people with the clothes and the hair and the inability to put together a grammatically correct sentence. Really? You can’t tell that that’s just wrong? Really?
May 22nd, 2008 at 8:05 pm
“We used to make each other apologize when we thought we said something funny that clearly wasn’t.”
May 22nd, 2008 at 8:06 pm
“We used to make each other apologize when we thought we said something funny that clearly wasn’t.” That’s hilarity right there
Honestly, I’m not just saying this because I like you or to make you feel better, but I truly believe that it’s better to be just a little full of yourself, snobbish, overconfident–whatever you want to call it–than to be the opposite. It’s a quality that allows a person to aim high rather than be intimidated by setting high goals. To seize every opportunity rather than shy away for fear of failure. To stand up for oneself rather than be taken advantage of.
And the fact that you take notice when you’re being too cocky means you’re pretty close to achieving the “right” balance between pride and humility.
May 22nd, 2008 at 8:15 pm
Ah….but you ARE smarter than most. There’s the rub. See?
May 23rd, 2008 at 2:05 am
oh you think you are smart en funny huh…maybe, but I am definately smarter and funnier than you. Too bad for you, but you are so out of my league.
hahah, just kidding.
Seriously, as many other people already said, don’t we all have some snobbism in ourselves. I know I should never be a teacher as I’d only love the smart kids and get really frustrated with those that don’t catch on right away. And I wouldn’t be able to hide! I’d be a terrible teacher. And I associate types of music, clothing, … with dumber, less ambitious, less succesfull people. Hmm not a characteristic to be proud of.
Yep, I can be really a snob too. The good thing about realising that, is that it helps us to become more humble. I really liked this post.
May 23rd, 2008 at 7:41 am
Brat.
May 23rd, 2008 at 7:41 am
May 23rd, 2008 at 7:45 am
Oh man, I love you. I dont’ have a poker face either. Everything I’m thinking shows right up on my face and can get me in trouble!
May 23rd, 2008 at 11:54 am
I love this. I am the exact same way. I give people the stink eye way more than I should and I fear that one day it is going to get my in trouble.
Funny side story: When I was 16 my mom and I were out to eat and she said something about me being a brat and I replied “Mom, it’s not that I think I’m better than everyone, but there are definitely some people I am better than…”
The look on her face was priceless. I still carry that as my personal moto. You should too!:)
SNOBS UNITE!
May 23rd, 2008 at 11:55 am
err, and that should be from Pie. Not Poe. I’m smart.
May 23rd, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Sheesh, I’m about the same way…only I always thought I had a great poker face, and was just told that I don’t. Apparently it’s funny to say certain things and then watch “the look” come over my face…
Well, that’s what happens when you’re raised to think that you’re smart, and you can do anything right?
May 23rd, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Oh how you would love my fiance, whose face gives away what he is thinking 10 minutes before he even has the thought.
May 24th, 2008 at 10:27 am
hmmmmm is it ok to say that when I read you describing your upbringing…how you were raised to believe in yourself …I am so jealous of that…I am happy for you…I think you are lucky for that…
May 24th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
you’re freaking hilarious! and my goal to be just like you is finally coming true, cause i was told today that some girls at work think i hate them cause they get my “you’re a total idiot who’s not worth my time” look all the time! hahaha! i thought i was hiding it… guess not!