Karen Roasted Online For Insinuating That Her Daughter Cut Ties With Best Friend Because She's More Intelligent

Have you ever noticed that some friends, relatives, or coworkers seem to pick up new skills quickly? They appear smarter than their peers for some reason.

You might even wish to be half as smart as they are. Whether you want to advance your career, learn a new skill, or simply perform better in life, increased intelligence could be the key.

You see, each and every one of us has the ability to learn how to become more intelligent. But what happens when someone cuts you off because they feel you're not as intelligent as they are?

We see such a case in today's story, and Redditors didn't find it funny at all. OP's daughter, Sophie, used to be best friends with Kat, but ever since middle school, they have started to grow apart.

OP says that her child's school splits the students into different classes for various subjects. OP's daughter was placed in the advanced class, while her best friend Kat was placed in the normal class.

There have been multiple group projects, and kids get to pick their partners. Kat and Sophie usually work together, but this time around, they don't, and that is when things start to take a new turn.

Sophie became really frustrated that the work Kat did wasn't correct, and OP told her daughter not to correct her. It got to the point where OP advised her child not to pick Kat as her project partner, which tore their friendship apart. 

The OP writes

Reddit/No-Professor4199

OP's daughter got placed in advanced, and Kat got placed in normal

Reddit/No-Professor4199

The phenomenon of perceived intelligence affecting relationships can be explained through the lens of social comparison theory. Research by Festinger (1954) indicates that individuals evaluate their own abilities by comparing themselves to others, which can lead to envy or perceived inadequacy.

When one friend feels overshadowed by another's intelligence, it can create distance. Such dynamics often result in defensive behaviors or withdrawal, as individuals strive to protect their self-esteem.

OP said it was due to both girls' intelligence levels and tried explaining the group project issue

Reddit/No-Professor4199

The Reddit post went viral with thousands of comments, and here are a few of the most upvoted ones

Reddit/No-Professor4199

Psychologists have noted that social connections are fundamental to emotional well-being. According to research published in the Journal of Happiness Studies, strong friendships can buffer against stress and enhance life satisfaction.

Encouraging open communication, mutual support, and shared experiences can strengthen these bonds. By fostering environments where individuals feel valued for their unique strengths, friendships can thrive, irrespective of perceived intelligence differences.

This Redditor says that this is how her mom thinks

Reddit/No-Professor4199

Kat might be thriving by then with a friend group

Reddit/No-Professor4199

The Influence of Intelligence on Friendships

Dr. Eric Patel, a social psychologist at Duke University, notes that perceptions of intelligence can affect social dynamics among peers.

His research suggests that individuals often gravitate toward those whom they perceive as similar in intelligence, leading to both bonding and, at times, exclusion.

In this case, the notion that intelligence influences friendship choices reflects a common social phenomenon where perceived disparities create rifts.

The OP should sit back and consider what she is teaching her daughter

Reddit/No-Professor4199

They're not friends anymore, and Sophie doesn't want to invite Kat

Reddit/No-Professor4199

OP has offered the following explanation for why she thinks she might be the AH:

I told another mother our kids aren’t close due to intelligence levels. I may be a jerk for how I phrased it when trying to explain.

The OP should learn some tact, for crying out loud

Reddit/No-Professor4199

Reddit/No-Professor4199

Understanding Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EI) plays a significant role in how individuals navigate friendships and social interactions. Research by Mayer, Salovey, and Caruso (2004) shows that EI involves recognizing, understanding, and managing emotions in oneself and others.

Those with high EI may foster deeper connections, while lower EI can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. Encouraging practices like active listening and empathy can help strengthen these bonds, enhancing overall relationship quality.

OP's bad advice is the root cause of all this

Reddit/No-Professor4199

Apparently, this Redditor believes the OP scores very, very low on the intelligence level scale

Reddit/No-Professor4199

Studies in social psychology indicate that group dynamics can be heavily influenced by perceived intelligence levels among members.

Research shows that individuals often feel a need to align with those they believe share similar capabilities, leading to both social cohesion and potential alienation of others.

Psychological Analysis

This situation reflects a common social dynamic where perceived differences in intelligence can lead to exclusionary behaviors.

From a psychological perspective, it’s important to foster environments that celebrate diversity and encourage acceptance among peers.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Understanding the psychological dynamics of intelligence in social settings can lead to healthier interactions and friendships.

As supported by research from the Journal of Social Psychology, fostering inclusivity and valuing diverse strengths is essential for creating supportive social environments.

Psychological Analysis

This scenario demonstrates how perceived intelligence disparities can impact friendships. People often gravitate toward those they see as intellectual equals, leading to bonding but also potential exclusion. The mother's approach, however, may have unintentionally amplified these divisions, highlighting the need for sensitivity when discussing such matters.

Analysis generated by AI

Dr. Carol Dweck’s research on mindset reveals the importance of adopting a growth mindset to enhance intelligence and interpersonal dynamics. Individuals with a growth mindset believe that abilities can be developed through effort and learning.

This perspective fosters resilience and openness to others' successes rather than feelings of jealousy or resentment. Cultivating a growth mindset can be particularly beneficial in friendships, encouraging support rather than competition.

Navigating Social Exclusion

Social exclusion can have profound effects on emotional well-being.

Dr. Judith Glick, a psychologist specializing in social behaviors, emphasizes that feelings of exclusion can lead to increased anxiety and depression among affected individuals.

Understanding these dynamics is crucial for fostering inclusive environments where everyone feels valued.

Coping Strategies for Social Comparison

When faced with feelings of inadequacy due to perceived intelligence differences, individuals can implement effective coping strategies. Research suggests that mindfulness practices can help in managing emotions and reducing anxiety associated with social comparison.

Mindfulness encourages individuals to focus on the present moment, fostering self-acceptance and reducing the tendency to compare oneself unfavorably to others. Integrating mindfulness-based interventions can significantly improve emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships.

Encouraging open dialogue about feelings of exclusion can help mitigate the emotional effects of perceived intelligence disparities.

Creating inclusive social settings allows individuals to feel appreciated for their unique contributions and strengths.

At one point or another, everyone has to understand how to collaborate with those who lack their own set of skills. OP's daughter may have worked on various projects with other students and discreetly explained to Kat why they truly don't get along.

Causing a friendship to end seems drastic and implies that there were other factors contributing to their developing distance. Redditors faulted OP for telling another parent that her child is smarter than theirs, so she was declared the AH.

Strategies for Promoting Inclusivity

Dr. Nancy Rizzo, an expert in community psychology, suggests that fostering environments where diverse abilities are valued can enhance social cohesion.

Encouraging collaboration on projects that highlight different strengths allows individuals to appreciate each other's unique contributions, reducing feelings of exclusion.

Additionally, workshops on emotional intelligence can help individuals understand and navigate their social interactions more effectively.

The dynamics of intelligence in friendships underscore the importance of emotional and social skills in maintaining healthy relationships. As research indicates, it’s not just cognitive ability that matters, but also emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.

Fostering a supportive environment where differences are celebrated can lead to enriched connections. Ultimately, understanding these psychological principles can help individuals navigate their social landscapes more effectively, creating healthier, more fulfilling relationships.