Found out yesterday that I have a reputation in my extended social circle for being ‘simple’.

In reality, I’m quite intelligent and have a very well respected career, however during social interactions I can come across as an air head. A lot of people tell me I generally look lost. Naturally, my resting facial expression is quite blank. I’m introverted and think a lot during group conversations and pause to think before I speak. It seems if the right person does this, it comes across as intelligent and wise, but for some reason when I do it, it appears absent-minded and stupid.

I’m not very opinionated, and I’m quite agreeable, which is something I am aware of and am making a conscious effort to fix. No More Mr Nice Guy etc.

I’m trying to get into the habit of regular mindfulness meditation too, but after hearing about my reputation, it seems this will make it even worse as I truly become more absent-minded.

I think a big part of it is that my face just looks confused and like I don’t understand what people are asking me.

How do I become sharper and faster and appear less spaced out? Read a lot of books? Brain training apps? In this case, I actually am lost.