I know from experience that those of more-nearly average IQ tend to struggle there, and by extension, I struggle with them, too. We both wind up frustrated by encounters in which I spend most of my time backtracking and explaining myself again, and the rest of it impatiently hoping that they'll 'cut the fluff' and get to the point. They don't get my jokes, and I frequently find that I'm patronizing rather than 'enjoying' since it all seems painfully obvious and even trite/repetitive to me. I realize that seems arrogant, but really-- other than pretty superficial, well-defined interactions, we're both better off not trying to do that for long periods of time. They don't enjoy me much either, because none of my jokes or anything make sense, so I come across as 'weird.'
After reading your description, Howler Karma, I think you've explained it much better than I have. I actually agree with everything you've said, but my explanation was much worse haha. I believe I'm in the same situation as you here, which is nice to know
I guess I meant:
who you referred to as your significant other = what I referred to as my best friends (ie. they are both kind and intellectual).
P.S. Being "weird" is a wonderful thing
