Anybody in Mensa?

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I've been thinking maybe I should have a reason to see people other than work colleagues, family and classes. A silly notion, I know, I'm sure I'll change my mind later . Anyway I don't understand how people meet and do things socially as grown ups. I have an invitation to join Mensa that I've never bothered with, but I know there are special interest groups as part of the membership, so that could be a door to socialisation if I join?

Is anybody a member already? Are the special interest groups any good? I figure I might meet at least a few fellow aspies in that sort of environment, which would be cool.

I used to belong to a club for graduates. There were quite a few Mensa members and they were the least popular in the club, which included other members with very high IQ scores and achievement. One of the reasons for their unpopularity was that they would tend to mention their membership constantly, gratuitously, in conversations as if that licensed their opinions as the only correct ones. As you can imagine, that kind of condescending attitude went down like the proverbial lead balloon, so people avoided them. They were always trying to recruit members they thought "suitable", which added to the dislike of them, and most of them struck me as both socially and intellectually insecure, harping on about their membership as if it was a certificate of intellectual worthiness. It isn't, and it wasn't. Maybe they were the exception and most Mensa members aren't like that, though I had no desire to find out.

If this is typical, then joining Mensa to socialise might not be a good match, though perhaps things are better than that now.

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Ew, yeah that's kind of the attitude I expected in such a group, it's why I've ignored my invitation as long as I have! I don't want to be in that sort of environment at all, I just want someone to go to galleries with. Anyway IQ is something you're born with, so you can't really boast about it as an achievement . Back to the drawing board?

I just can't think of any other ways I could meet people and go and do things, I really don't see how that is done .

I had Mensa suggested to me,
but knowing how I tend not to fit in groups,
I decided I didn't want to try
because I'd hate to be kicked out of there
for "not belonging."

Instead, I became a solitary artist.
I avoided the hobbyist photography clubs
and instead submitted my artwork
in the form of fine art photos
directly to art galleries and museums.

That path has worked for me.

I now am involved in taking painting classes,
which can be beneficial and fun ...
as long as you make sure your instructor
is the right one for you
and if you're part of a group,
that the group is also decently friendly.

Last edited by the_phoenix on 06 Oct 2016, 6:13 pm, edited 1 time in total.

OP, maybe you could have a look at the list of Meet-Up groups in your area to see if there is one that seems to fit you? They have such a variety that there is basically something for everyone, including socially introverted people (eg me), and I found a group that really suited me, and made very good friends there who continue to be good friends 3 years later.

Yeah, Mensa never appealed to me - I might get in, maybe not, but it seems like a status thing, and not humble enough, not "learning" enough.

Meetups are really cool though.

Am a member.

Havent put much into it. So havent gotten much out of it.

One SIG I went to a couple times because the host had job connections I was interested in. But he retired. So I havent been back. But I keep thinking I oughta go back to his group: which was about listening to classical music on records. Like all kinds of music:rock, jazz, classical, even some hip hop. So I keep thinking I will go again, and bring some of my own samples of my vast record collection. He does throw good New Years Eve parties that Ive been to.

I used to go to "games night". That was quite fun actually. Folks of many different age groups played intense board games. Played one of those build your own civilization games (kinda a cross between chess and monopoly as you expand your influence across an imaginary continent).

Trivial pursuits type games I like also (keeps it light, but can still test your meddle).

Can you meet odd people at Mensa events? Definitely. Not sure if any were aspergian.

Was active with a local Aspie/autie support group for a while. Our local group had members who seemed to easily qualify for Mensa. So there must be some overlap.

I should throw a party and invite folks from both groups I suppose.

One young lady who helps lead the autism support group is...a geek goddess whom I worship from afar. The few times Ive managed to talk to her she seems as brainy as she is odd, and odd as she is brainy.My type. But I digress. Just thinking aloud.

^^^ Hats off to you phoenix for getting your artwork out there, I really ought to try harder with mine. I don't know what it is but something always holds me back.

I did art at college last term, I enjoyed it for the most part (it helped me overcome the fear of sharing my work I'd slowly developed) but it wasn't really social. The tutor was good (he appreciated my weirdness) and the other people seemed to like me enough, but I skipped the last lesson of the term because it was a more social exhibition-type vibe with food and drink, and I couldn't make myself go.

What sort of art do you do, Rachel?

Sometimes tells me there's a surrealistic element to it

Glad to hear that autistic folks can indeed fit in with Mensa.

Yeah, I go to New Years Eve parties at a guy's house most years where the focus is on music. Mostly, live music played on the piano and violin, with plenty of singing, mainly Broadway show tunes. The host could easily be a Mensa member ... He has so many social skills that I could actually see him as a local club leader, but his life is far too busy. His wife is similarly gifted with intelligence, musical skill, and the social graces.



There used to be a "games night" hosted by someone in my Star Trek club. It fizzled out because most of us were there hoping to meet people and make friends, whereas the people hosting it were, shall we say, "Super Intense" about playing the game itself ... best not to divulge more in a public forum.

As for trivia games, that's one thing I'm not good at, so I prefer just declaring myself the loser up front and either not being present at all, or simply observing everyone else.

I can handle Pictionary, however.

And I LOVE Scrabble, especially a certain version ... (Refer to some of the earlier posts I made here on Wrong Planet today ...)

...

B19 and Nine7752 sorry if this is a stupid question, but meet-ups in what sense/ through what medium?

Thanks for the review , sounds like an interesting SIG. I like the sound of a local aspie group, I wish we had one of those around here. Well, I say that, but would I push myself to go? Probably not lol.



Whatever gave you that impression . I work with black ink mainly, sometimes with charcoal. I try and show the patterns that I see in objects and scenery, or reduce an object to a more abstract, detailed study. It's how I see things as an autistic; I used to edit it out of my work but I'm trying to go with it nowadays .

Hi rachey, fellow artist friend!

Please do get your artwork out there! I'd love to see it. Even without seeing it, I'll bet it's real good.

And don't let yourself get held back ... yes, obstacles do come up ... you just have to push through them ...

As for "meet the artist" events and opening receptions, I think your tutor was extremely wise to have a social class on that ... because yes, when your artwork gets accepted at a public event, the art gallery owner or museum curator wants you there, because your presence can help sell artwork.

Anyways, receptions can be fun. I always love seeing everybody's artwork and talking with the other artists.

So as an older artist to a younger one,
I encourage you to keep going for your dream!
Make it a reality!

(and thanks for your kind compliments!)

Google MeetUp.com or have a look at the Wikipedia page on it.

Phoenix knows what she's talking about.

She's been in the ashes....and has emerged many times.

Each time looking prettier than the previous time.

I don't recommend meeting WP members.

Oh I didn't know that was a thing, duh lol, I should have googled it - sorry!



Thanks . I'm trying to get my act together and finish my online portfolio, I'll get there eventually lol . I never used to be shy about sharing my work, it's only in the past few years or so, so I know I can get over it !



Not disagreeing but why not? I don't think I could anyway, nobody's near me on here as far as I can see.