Why did my boyfriend call me book smart and not street smart?

[Anonymous]

I felt really bad. Could this be a reason to break up with him? Why would he date a woman who is booksmart and not streetsmart?

[Anonymous]

Street smart is seeing through the fog of life. Recognizing bullshiters, con artists, and smoke blowers. Out hanging out on the streets and not living a sheltered life. Out in the world experiencing the speedier side of it, being confronted by these types and recognizing who and what they are BEFORE they do any damage to you or your reputation.

Book smarts don't teach you that. You can read all about it, but there's nothing like experiencing it, and when confronted by it, failing to act instinctively. You'll be screwed by the time your brain accesses the information you read to effectively protect yourself from the onslaught.

Being book smart is great. You know a lot of stuff and are generally an intelligent person, (some would argue that college graduates aren't too smart, meaning lacking common sense), that can carry conversations on many subjects.

Being street smart is good, not unintelligent but full of common sense, but generally excludes you from the more refined, educated crowd, (not always a rule), because you're crusty, rough around the edges and don't take anyone's bullshit. Most intellectuals don't like that, or people challenging their black and white book info, (hence, some college graduates not being smart, meaning closed minded to anything that's not written and taught in school), or status quo life.

Being both book and street smart is the best of both worlds. Am I suggesting a trip to the streets to "experience" said life? No, not in the least. You can, but seeing things as an adult just isn't the same. You're shut out and won't learn much from the younger crowd, because you're too close to being "the man" and a possible narc, or your logic and reasonability will try to talk those others out of whatever... and trust me, no one wants to pal around with someone who's not as adventurous or risky.

Be happy with who you are and don't let anyone bring you down. So you're book smart. Consider yourself lucky that you didn't attend the school of hard knocks and learn things the hard way. And if your mate insists in pointing it out after you've voiced your hurt and request to stop, dump his ass. No one needs that negativity and deliberate, (because it'll BE deliberate if done again) tearing down of your self esteem. You've worked just as hard as a street smart person to get where you are. Don't let anyone diminish your efforts or success.

[caring__1]

What he probably means is he feels, though you are capable when it comes to acquiring knowledge, your application of knowledge in the real world is lacking. Is this a reason for breaking up? Not really... but people use all kinds of excuses to jump ship and move on. This is your decision, and it doesn't matter what others say. If you feel your relationship is ideal, other than this statement, you'd be throwing away the baby with the bath water if you choose to jump ship. If there are other problems in the relationship, don't legitimize ending the relationship by putting all the focus on this statement only.

Let's say I tell you that you can't speak Mandarin. Does that make you any less of a person? Does it matter that I can't speak Mandarin, either? Statements are jumping off points to explore, not to use as excuses to legitimize whatever choices you make.

[lrina]

lol wtf are you srsly considering breaking up over that? Yes, please do break up with him. He probably deserves someone better who isn't dumb.

[Anonymous]

Nothing to feel bad about. Just means you aren’t for the streets my dad used to say that

[Asker]

Can you elaborate

[Opinion Owner]

Street smart kinda means hard times taught you something

[driven159]

some people are smart when it comes to school smarts but are lost and not smart in life experience like someone who knows how make an atom but can't change a care tire there are lots of people like that so you are not alone no big deal but you can be street smart just pay attention to the real world

[DARKCLOUD1945X]

My wife was like that so smart book learning no end but she could not find her ass with a search warrant.

[Fireguy17]

Some people can tell you everything there is to tell you about a broom, but have no clue how to use one.
Book smart vs Street smart.

[Anonymous]

Could this be a reason to break up with him? ... he was wrong about you. you aren't book smart or street smart just plain dumb if you can't take a little criticism and ready to break up with him over something as frivilous as that

[Opinion Owner]

what he should of called you was excessively dramatic

[lrina]

agreed.

[MountAverage]

You need to tell him that what he said was hurtful to you.

[InferiorElegy]

It means school wise your smart but when it comes to the real world your not as smart

[rabbitzzz]

He breathes. Thats a good reason to breakup.

[LadyCroft]

what does that even mean?

[Ironic_Method]

Book smart is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Street smart is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad.

[CrazyGirl2]

Maybe he knows you?

[Anonymous]

what do these mean? book smart, street smart?