"I never played against my own intelligence to make men comfortable around me. I come on strong by being open, not teasing. I don't look for strength in men's eyes that way. As temporarily delightful as cocktail conversation may be -- until our cabs come -- I get my real and lasting courage from my own vulnerability. I can only trust my sense of worth to be safe with those unafraid to love me, not someone who finds me amusing five minutes ar a time."

--Melissa Gira Grant, writing in her tumblr blog