Smart Is Sexy. Period.

In an extreme either-or situation, I’d definitely go for the intellectually stimulating, but looks like the back end of a bus; over the extremely gorgeous, but not the brightest crayon in the box.

Now, before you cast a stone of judgment, let me clarify that condescension is not the tone I’m trying to set. I’m well aware that we are naturally inclined to the physically beautiful, and I have nothing against that. In fact, I love perfectly chiseled bodies and stunning facial features as much as the next person; but the novelty doesn’t last very long. Save for times when the gorgeous packaging contains a vocabulary that begins and ends with the words “like”, “you know”, and “whatever”. In those cases, the novelty just gets massively railroaded.

Just like this 6-foot piece of gorgeous I met a few months back; our initial encounter admittedly sent my primal urges running wild. But all that came to a screeching halt the moment he answered “my high school yearbook, for sure!” when I asked what his favorite book was. Even if he did try to explain his fascination for his school’s collection of badly taken photos, it did not keep me from looking at him and seeing a walking, talking contraceptive.

Some argue that smarts are only for those looking to get into a relationship and not for the ones who just want to have fun. But sexual foreplay is a mind game as much as it is of the physical. Both have to be on equal intellectual ground to successfully exchange bold yet endearing advances, well-worded innuendos, and playfully imaginative ideas; all of which are imperative in any sensual venture. Otherwise, it’ll be just as crude and crass as a booty call in the middle of the night. Now, if that tickles your fancy, then fine. But to amend the words of T.S. Elliot: This is the way the world ends; not with a bang but with a booty call.

In my book, smart people are the sexiest, most seductive beings ever; regardless of what they look like. They know what to say and when to say it; how to pay undivided attention and make you feel your worth. They bring character and wit to the table which inevitably spices everything up and makes you want the night to never end. And lastly, but only because this write-up is getting pretty long, they make you want to become more than what you already are; not in any way dictating what or how you should be, but actively encouraging you to push a little more. Top that with a magnificent sense of humor and you’re done for.

So here’s to us mortals who are unapologetic suckers for these confident – maybe even a bit obnoxious, unpretentious, infinitely interesting, and charismatic, game changers.