I got called smart a lot when I was growing up. I was in gifted classes, took accelerated courseloads, etc. This is fine and I got used to it. Going to Cal totally kicked me in the pants in that regard because I was just another student.
I'm at work, now, and I'm back at that "omg you're so smart!" level of things. It is... a little unnerving. It's nice sometimes, don't get me wrong, but when I run into these situations where my "smartness" solves a huge problem that's been ongoing for years and I'm praised for doing something that is so goddamned simple I didn't even stop to think it's challenging, I really wonder.
Case in point, today: I received some training in some database manipulation stuff. We're talking "click through the menus according to this detailed document and follow the instructions as written" training.
I was the first person who's done it in less than 15 minutes. I was the first person who did it without having to ask a question on every step. I was the first person to do it correctly the first time AND the first person to do it correctly the second time.
WHAT. IS. WRONG. WITH. PEOPLE?
My implications were more targetted at the possibility of your dog being the rebirth of a Lovecraftian ancient horror, only saddled with the affection and attention span of a Strawberry Shortcake pet.
This is the perfect description of my dog.
Ironically, he's been lounging in my office all day. The only snag happened when a coworker - who loves dogs - came over to give him attention and he decided he wanted her scarf. He sat there with it in his mouth, proudly wagging his tail and not letting go, for a good minute, despite cajoling with treats and prying with fingers.
Definitely a step up from the "eating walls" version.
