Have you ever had that friend that thought they were the smartest person in the world? A friend that would use elaborate words and funky sentences just so they would sound as if they knew more than you?

Throughout my life, my parents have constantly told me that I act like a five year old. My actions, my voice, and sometimes even my emotions make me seem as if I were really a five year old in a 17-year old body. However, I have never actually heard anyone say that a person acts too old for their age, but I guess there is always a first for everything.

I myself have a friend that embodies a person who acts too old for their age. The use of vocabulary, book-smarts, and even image surpasses many people when referring to age because of their determination to create a certain image. My friend makes the effort to be more knowledgeable in different subjects to be exceptionally smart, and of course, it shows. Some may say that it is a gift to be able to mature so quickly, but some might call it a curse because of the the attitude that could come from that person. Frankly, it annoys me when someone acts this way.

Sure, it is fine to be mature and confident in yourself, but when the tone of voice turns from friendly to arrogant, that is when it becomes annoying. Though you might be knowledgeable in many areas, do not flaunt your knowledge in front of others to the point where you come off as pompous or prideful. Not only can that happen, but you might even sound just a little stupid if you are wrong.

Now, if by some chance this is just how your personality is, then try not to be so annoying with it by constantly showing your knowledge to everyone. There should be a time and a place for being smart and being serious. There is also a time to be sarcastic and immature. Finding a balance between these is what is necessary in order to come off as friendly. The time you have as a child is short, so live it up while you can before everything changes.

Act your age. Do not try to impress people by trying to sound smarter than them. To be honest, the only thing you will obtain from not acting your age is a life full of confrontations and complications.