Search Results: dumbing yourself down

I've done these throughout my life so far but not really simultaneously. I had my reasons at the time but now I think it's stupid to change yourself for how others Might treat you according to who you seem to be

I dumbed myself down for girls to be my friend at school because it seemed like I was too smart or they said I used too many big words. They'd tease me for being a nerd and just use me for homework help Not see me as a real friend so I felt I needed to fit in with these types of girls.
Nowadays I just try to hide my smartness because once some people find out they try to take advantage of my knowledge.

I dressed down mostly for guys because I'm shy and come off as stuck up so looking good wasn't helping much. Plus I wanted guys to approach me for my personality and like me for that not my looks.
Then when guys did approach me I felt they underestimated me and I felt even more bad.

I wish I could just be myself without worrying about how others perceive me or think of me

Like you have to dumb yourself down for them?

I think I underestimate my bf... I think he won't understand something without even trying to say in a way he would understand. I think he is so stupid all of the time, but then I see him with his friends and he is really smart, why can't I bring out his smart side? Maybe he thinks I'm dumb so he acts dumb around me? by the way, my mom and dad's relationship is like this as well, she talks to him like he's so dumb, but when she's out of the room, me and him have some deep meaningful conversations, he is really smart, she just doesn't see it... I am following my mom's footsteps, how do I change this? Why can't I appreciate him and see his beauty/smartness/etc?