I don’t know anyone who doesn’t enjoy receiving a compliment. For the longest time, it was so difficult for me to just say “thank you.” I always felt like I had to give an excuse instead of just accepting it. As I’m growing older, I have discovered that it means more to hear how smart I am versus how “pretty or cool” I am.

Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve been complimented on my personal style, looks and even my humor. Still, nothing makes me feel more confident or leaves a stronger impression than when I was complimented on my intelligence. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy hearing I look nice and my style is awesome, but being told I am smart means so much more because it has nothing to do with the exterior and it also makes me feel like I am an engaging and interesting person. This also made me reflect on school and growing up as the shyest, insecure book worm, that I have finally outgrown.

Growing older, I became more confident, to the point where I feel almost like a completely different person, because I discovered that other people’s opinions truly had no effect on my success unless I allowed it. Feeling in control of this made me feel empowered and I’m never letting go of it. I’m also happy because I was asked today if I ever “dumbed myself down” for other people. Proudly, I can say no. Because I was always thought of as the smart, nerdy, stick in the mud, being smart was something people always associated with me.

Today, instead of feeling embarrassed for enjoying reading and engaging in real, sincere conversations, I embrace it and look for others similar instead of feeling like an outcast. But, I still wish for someone to fart in my yoga class and making stupid immature jokes, and this is another thing I am happy will never change.

In the book, “On Beauty” by Zadie Smite writes, “Any woman who counts on her face is a fool.” This is too true for both men and women because the minute we dumb ourselves down for anyone, we look almost as stupid as we’re pretending to be.

Steal my look today: Jennifer Lopez pant: Kohl’s, Check and Stripe chambray shirt: Pacsun