by Tamara Sinclair

Created on: August 15, 2007

My mother always used to say that I was the dumbest smart person she knew and I always laughed innocently, not really realizing that being the dumbest smart person in the world was not the best thing to be, lol. I have always been more "book smart" than "street smart". I can tell you anything you want to know if I read it in a book, or saw it on a educational show, but dealing with situations in the real world, when I had to think on my feet, and adapt quickly always seemed to have a learning curve that was too steep for me. Until I realized that it was not something that you learn.

Wait, let me take that back. I guess I can say that I did sort of "learn" how to be street smart by observing others, and asking questions, and sometimes bulls*ing my way way through a situation. The latter of the three is by far the best and fastest way to get a little street wise.

Some people are just born with it, not necessarily street smarts, but they have the capacity to adapt to social situations, watch out for pitfalls, deal with people, and most of all be safe on the streets. Like I said, for some, all of this comes naturally, but for me, I had to experience all these things, some good, and some bad before I was confident and comfortable enough to consider myself street smart.

For those out there who can recite The Constitution, but can't hold your own on the mean streets, just be sure to think everything through, be skeptical of people that you don't know or just met. Most important, make yourself be heard. Whatever the situation may be, make sure that you are not being walked on and voice your opinion. Watch and observe how people react in situations and then apply what you see, without forgetting your own views and morals, etc. I guess no one can really tell you if you're street smart, but they can sure tell when you're not, so just fake it if you don't know and eventually, things will come naturally.

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