"Like, No Way!"

I have tons of smart girl friends. They are intelligent and great students. However it kills me when I hear guys imitating them or not taking them seriously — these girls aren't airheads!

Just the other day I heard a girl say, "Isn’t that so hot?" in an exaggerated Paris Hilton-esque voice. The worst part was that she wasn't trying to emulate the heiress; she was trying to hold a legitimate conversation. I literally had to hold the expression on my face. No one should want to try and sound dumb.

Yet, even so, I don't think a lot of people realize that the words they choose reflect so much about themselves. Not only do words give others an impression of your intelligence, but sometimes it also can inform people about where you're from and what you believe in.

One of the hardest things I had to do was erase the word "like" from my vocabulary. Now, I notice when others use it when talking to professors or other adults and that they come off sounding unintelligent.

You all are smart women, so don't ever dumb yourself down in front of boys or anyone! Use smart words, speak your mind, and allow others to take you seriously.

Have you ever played down your intelligence? Why?

xoxo,
Divya