# Would you date a telepath? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 21, 2012, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-date-a-telepath/638430 "2012-10-21T16:59:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2012, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-date-a-telepath/638430/21 "2012-10-22T05:47:31Z")
I think the real question is – would she date me? Presumably she would be able to compare me with other available men, and choose to keep away from me if she found my thoughts unworthy. But if she were, like, a total bitch, I wouldn’t date her whether she could read my mind or not. ---
**Author:** ![CanvasShoes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/74df32/32.png) [@CanvasShoes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CanvasShoes)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2012, 5:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-date-a-telepath/638430/22 "2012-10-22T05:55:09Z")
Like other dopers, my initial thought (heh) is something along the lines of “after knowing my thoughts, why would they still want me”? I’m pretty boring and don’t have any deep thoughts, but I occasionally have snippy snarky ones. If, like other books about telepaths etc I’ve read, the non-telepath partner had a way of shutting off certain things (I mean, the telepath would not WANT to listen in on your irritation with his or mother, your MIL would they?), then no, I can’t see any reason not to. I guess what I’m trying to say is, if there were a way to maintain normal necessary-to-keep-the-peace-in-social-relationships type “secrets” then yeah, it would be fine. If every last thought of mine was open season? Hmmmmm, maybe not. ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2012, 6:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-date-a-telepath/638430/23 "2012-10-22T06:00:40Z")
But you couldn’t really know. If she _chose_ not to pry into the recesses of your mind, she might change her mind. If she told you you she _couldn’t_ read your deepest thoughts, you couldn’t know if she was being truthful. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2012, 6:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-date-a-telepath/638430/24 "2012-10-22T06:22:38Z")
I think the premise here is to accept that she can read your deepest thoughts. ---
**Author:** ![conurepete](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a88e57/32.png) [@conurepete](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/conurepete)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2012, 10:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-date-a-telepath/638430/25 "2012-10-22T10:21:41Z")
I am not big on me having deep inner secrets, it is too much work. ---
**Author:** ![MegaBee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f0a364/32.png) [@MegaBee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MegaBee)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2012, 11:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-date-a-telepath/638430/26 "2012-10-22T11:45:04Z")
Is there any possibility that she could flip the switch in my head that would make me telepathic? Because that would kick ass. ETA: The fact that she can erase memories pushes it into a definite yes. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2012, 12:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-date-a-telepath/638430/27 "2012-10-22T12:03:41Z")
Nope. ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2012, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-date-a-telepath/638430/28 "2012-10-22T13:28:08Z")
That didn’t work out so great for Scott Summers. ---
**Author:** ![BubbaDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bubbadog/32/333_2.png) [@BubbaDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BubbaDog)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2012, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-date-a-telepath/638430/29 "2012-10-22T13:39:03Z")
She (look at that butt) would probably (nice boobs) break up with (I’d like to bang that one) me the first time we walked (ooooh titties) through a (sweet ass) crowd. ---
**Author:** ![Scumpup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2012, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-date-a-telepath/638430/30 "2012-10-22T13:46:18Z")
No. ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2012, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-date-a-telepath/638430/31 "2012-10-22T15:37:13Z")
I would try but I don’t think it would work out in the long run. I am an extremely private person. ---
**Author:** ![getitrite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47774/32.png) [@getitrite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/getitrite)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2012, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-date-a-telepath/638430/32 "2012-10-22T16:15:36Z")
This is a very interesting question. Having been married to a man who would not admit to himself that this ability didn’t exist, and now having a roommate that not only does but points out every time this manifestation appears and comments on it, and is trying to learn how I do this, and with practice is beginning to have increased his ability to do it, I would have to vote that it depends on the individuals involved. We all have the ability to be telepaths, its one of the gifts that are given to man kind, just because you (others ) don’t believe it is possible, don’t make it real, or possible. I grew up in a family with a grandfather and grandmother, who didn’t speak much to each other, but they knew the others thoughts and desires, we children knew too. They taught us with interesting games that it was possible and quiet normal for it to be a part of out lives. Yes I am a knut job … thank you for taking the time to think about it … Yes everyone CAN do it … and the rest are just to flusted to think it is possible. ---
**Author:** ![FlyByNight512](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/82dd89/32.png) [@FlyByNight512](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlyByNight512)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2012, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-date-a-telepath/638430/33 "2012-10-22T18:11:53Z")
I’d be okay with a telepathic SO, but the telepathic mother-in-law is a deal breaker! ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2012, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-date-a-telepath/638430/34 "2012-10-23T02:39:26Z")
I don’t see any problem with dating a telepath. I’d say I couldn’t date Skald’s mind-controlling freak, but trust is impossible with someone who has the ability to control your own thoughts, and trust is vital in any relationship, so the fact that she anticipates that I’ll be okay with this means she’s already controlling my mind. I don’t see why merely knowing some of the things you think would be a problem, as any telepath already should know that people think many thoughts that don’t mean anything. And she would already know what happens if she claims people think those things. Unless you are actually thinking about factual information that you shouldn’t have, it shouldn’t be a problem. (If it is factual information, she may feel the need to inform people, like, say, if you were a spy for some government.) ---
**Author:** ![humblebumble](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b5e925/32.png) [@humblebumble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/humblebumble)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2012, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-date-a-telepath/638430/35 "2012-10-23T02:45:39Z")
No. I like my privacy. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2012, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-date-a-telepath/638430/36 "2012-10-23T02:56:59Z")
That “some thoughts” above should be “any thoughts.” I don’t see why knowing any thoughts I have would be a problem. ---
**Author:** ![foolsguinea](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foolsguinea/32/14751_2.png) [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2012, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-date-a-telepath/638430/37 "2012-10-23T03:25:02Z")
> [@Ambivalid](#): > > Ask her. Thread won in one. ---
**Author:** ![Bouncer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/9d8465/32.png) [@Bouncer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bouncer)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2012, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-date-a-telepath/638430/38 "2012-10-23T03:34:49Z")
Nope, too lopsided a situation. I’d get caught too many times thinking: “For the love of Jesus, whatever, just shut up already so I can get some sleep! (or watch this tv show!, or finish this chapter in the book!”)" or “If your psychic enough to read this, consider doing some g\*\*\*amn laundry already or get out of the way so I can do mine!” In short, I’m impatient under the surface, though I am very placid appearing. Getting called on my thoughts would just make me brutally honest, and that, would make the relationship collapse. Regards, -Bouncer- ---
**Author:** ![janis\_and\_c0](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/janis_and_c0/32/21_2.png) [@janis\_and\_c0](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/janis_and_c0)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2012, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-date-a-telepath/638430/39 "2012-10-23T04:14:49Z")
I’m a pretty open person, so… if I was single, maybe… What I really wanna know is, what’s the quick & dirty verification? ---
**Author:** ![prettydorky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f04885/32.png) [@prettydorky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/prettydorky)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2012, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-date-a-telepath/638430/40 "2012-10-23T04:37:01Z")
> [@janis\_and\_c0](#): > > What I really wanna know is, what’s the quick & dirty verification? Yes, I came back in to see if that had been revealed yet. How did she prove it? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-date-a-telepath/638430.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-date-a-telepath/638430.md?page=3)