Would you date/marry a man without higher education?

[bunny85]

Just that really. If everything else was great, would it be a deal breaker for you? Let's say a man who only finished high school- no college, no uni. Would you?

Yes if he was intelligent and well read.

If he had no concrete plans to finish his education, no.

Yes I married one.

If he is bright, inquisitive, analytical then yes. But for me to be interested he has to be very intelligent.

His level of qualifications wouldn’t bother me, but I think I’d find it hard to be with someone if they weren’t bright and intellectually curious. Lots of people have reasons why post-16 education wasn’t an option for them though.

Yes I married one. Why wouldn’t you?

I have. If he’s intelligent I don’t see why you wouldn’t

What would be your objection? Some degrees are ridiculous and pointless. Going to university doesn’t mean anything about a person. Would you disregard a chef who’d been working their way up from the age of 16 in favour of someone with a degree in David Beckham studies and no work history?

Yes. I married him. I’m educated to degree level, he’s much more intelligent than me. He was written off at school due to undiagnosed (I suspect) dyslexia.

Yes of course.

Of course, why narrow the field.
Wouldn't date him if he spoke wanna be gangster init bruv type bollocks though

I didn’t go to college or university, my highest qualifications are crap A levels and an NVQ level 2 & 3. Doesn't make me worthless so it wouldn’t bother me in a partner either.

Yes!
Level of qualification/education is only one thing - sense of humour, personality, level of compassion & care, gumption etc are all also important.

I'm educated at post-grad level, my DH has A levels. He's an interesting person, who wasn't in a position to go to university at 18 and hasn't felt the urge since. He's way better informed than I am about lots of things. I've never considered it an issue until I came on Mumsnet. Lots of people I know have degrees, lots don't; some have interesting jobs, and they aren't all the ones with degrees.

Shallow much???

Yep, married one. DH hasn't been to university, but annoyingly is more intelligent than me, more well read and earns more

That wouldn't be a problem for me. I would need him to be fairly bright and articulate, but I don't believe qualifications always predict that.

It depends why they didn't. For example if it's because they had to go out and earn to help their family Vs they have no academic work ethic or are not very intelligent. It also depends what job they do not and if they are ambitious/able to progress/secure in the role without requiring further education.

Let's say a man who only finished high schoolrun for the hills I say

Yes of course, I did. Why would you not if everything else was good?

I used to think this was a deal-breaker for me, but then I met DP. He absolutely hated school and left at 16 but is by no means thick. I absolutely couldn’t date someone less intelligent. It becomes very wearing having to explain the obvious

Yes
Higher education ≠ intelligence

@DialsMavis

Yep, married one. DH hasn't been to university, but annoyingly is more intelligent than me, more well read and earns more

Literally this.

Yeah of course. I did. He got a degree at 40 and I qualified as an accountant at 44. Higher education or lack of it doesn't tell me a huge amount about a person. I certainly don't equate intelligence with education and anyway there are so many different ways to demonstrate intelligence, formal education is just one and not always the most reliable either. Shared values, commitment to family, respect, chemistry are more important to me and I would pick a partner who grafts to provide for their family over one who was highly educated and not practical.

Yes