Girls Only: Ask Dr. M: Other

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Dr. M is the author of five advice books, including Getting to Know the Real You: 50 Fun Quizzes Just for Girls, and Girls: What's So Bad About Being Good? How to Have Fun, Survive the Preteen Years, and Remain True to Yourself, both written with her teenage daughter. Dr. M shares this advice column with Molly, a middle school student who loves to play soccer, dance, write and spend time with her friends.

Read more questions and answers in these categories:

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Dear Dr. M and Molly,
I think people are treating me different because I'm a little too smart. I can't help it. Should I act dumb? People make me feel bad. What should I do?

—LaLa, 11, New York


	Dear LaLa, Being smart is a quality to be proud of. Try not to let other people's reactions to your intelligence get to you. However, if some people are making fun of you because you’re showing off or bragging, that's something to keep in check. But certainly don’t hide your gifts. Find common interests and treat others with understanding and most people will react in a positive way to you.


	Dear LaLa, Whatever you do, do NOT act dumb! Live up to your potential. When you get your tests and other grades back, just don't show anyone—it's not their business anyway. Make sure you don't brag about how smart you are. People only tease others when they have an audience. If you ignore them or act like you don't care, they will stop. Still, if for some reason they don't, just tell them how you feel. Say that being smart is something to feel good about. The people who make you feel bad are really just jealous. They make you feel bad so they don't feel bad about themselves. Just be proud of yourself.

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