First a little back story. Im a college student in my second year. I work very hard in my academic pursuits and have received recognition because of it. I am in a leadership development program and am in several groups on campus. Ive been lurking since the beginning of summer and have only posted once. I have taken a lot of what i have read here to heart and disregarded some as well. I have put some into practice and have seen a drastic change in how people i am perceived by others, both male and female. I have little time due to an intense course load, active participation in groups on campus and the need to have time to myself. However i still see some results due to how easy hooking up is in college. I also have pretty solid inner game in that i do not care what others think of me and my unwavering dedication to my school work and hobbies. Results is not where my dilemma comes in, but rather how i can manage how i am seen by others.

Over the last couple weeks people have started to take notice of the changes in my behavior. A close friend i made last year told me that i am becoming cocky. However, i do not see myself as arrogant or overly confident. I have always been high achieving and a hard worker but used to cover it up and try to stay "modest". Through this sub I have decided to work to be more honest and say what i am thinking as long as it does not hurt others. This includes not hiding my self image and the potential i see for myself (and trusted academic advisers have directly told me). This honesty is what spurred her to tell me i was acting "cocky". I am aiming to be confident and speak my mind but wish to remain humble. My question to the community is how to manage this balance between cockiness and confidence. I want to continue to remain honest but i do not want to strain friendships or come off as arrogant or pretentious in the process. Any feedback is welcome.