Frankly, the reason I joined MENSA is because I was dating a guy at the time who spoke five languages and could solve a Rubik's Cube literally with his eyes closed because it's just an algorithm.

In this quote, Ashley Rickards humorously explains her decision to join MENSA, an organization for individuals with high IQs. She reveals that her motivation to join was rooted in her desire to impress a guy she was dating, who possessed impressive intellectual skills. He could speak five languages and solve a Rubik's Cube effortlessly, even with his eyes closed, because it was just about following an algorithm. This sets the stage for a humorous commentary on the way relationships can inspire people to engage in certain behaviors or pursuits.

Rickards’ mention of her boyfriend’s extraordinary abilities highlights her feeling of intellectual competition or admiration. Her decision to join MENSA wasn’t based on a genuine interest in the organization itself, but rather as a response to her partner’s exceptional skills. This reflects the way personal relationships can motivate people to push their own boundaries or take actions they might not have considered otherwise, in an effort to feel more aligned or capable in comparison.

The mention of the Rubik's Cube and its algorithmic nature underscores how she viewed intelligence through the lens of logical, structured thinking, which was central to her boyfriend’s abilities. The Rubik’s Cube, known for being a challenge for many, symbolizes the kind of mental prowess she associated with intellectual accomplishment, and her joining MENSA was an attempt to match that level of intellectual stimulation and achievement.

Ultimately, this quote offers a lighthearted perspective on how relationships can influence personal decisions, particularly in the pursuit of intellectual validation. While her reason for joining MENSA may have been more about impressing someone rather than a true intellectual pursuit, it still highlights the ways in which our connections with others can shape our actions and lead us to explore new interests or experiences.