You know who you are. You’re probably sitting there reading this with your RBF face on, and I know, you can’t help it. You’re the girl whose sarcasm comes off a little less sarcastic than you were hoping for. You’re the girl who people passing out samples in the mall ignore because your relaxed face may be slightly less than pleasant. You’re blunt and you always get right to the point. You don’t want to waste anyone else’s time—or yours.

But you’re also the girl who looks composed on the outside, and is possibly falling apart on the inside. You’re anything but emotionless, despite contrary beliefs. You have big goals, bigger than most can comprehend. You want (and plan) to take full advantage of everything life has to offer you. And you won’t stop at anything to achieve what you want. Your ambition is your best feature, but to many it’s often mistaken for being bossy or overbearing.

You have been told time and time again “I was scared of you when I met you” or “I was so intimidated by you.” Or even “I thought you were going to be a bitch." You produce a powerful aura that others can’t seem to handle at first. But that’s not your fault—it’s theirs. Once people get past the initial shock of your “take control” attitude they learn that you have a big heart, and care immensely about the people whom are close to you. But those people know that you will be the first one to put them in their place when it is needed. You’re your own yin and yang. You complete yourself on your own, you alone are a whole person. But that doesn’t mean that you don’t crave affection or someone’s company. You need that just as much as the next person. Sure, you can be strong on your own, but that doesn’t mean you have to be.

You also probably know what it’s like to be hurt, which is why you don’t settle. Which might come off as prideful, but you already know what the rest of the world is learning. As one of our favorite intimidating women, Cristina Yang, once said, “If you want crappy things to stop happening to you, then stop accepting crap and demand more."

You have an attitude that demands more of people and of life in general. You are probably just as intimidated by life as others are by you, but that doesn’t stop you. You have it together, even though you don’t think you do. Your own personal failures are so small on the scale of big things you will accomplish. And not only will you accomplish everything you want and more, but you will succeed beyond even your own dreams. You are one of those girls who can accomplish any she puts her mind to.

What’s the alternative? Being called cute and sweet? And I know you just scrunched up your face in disgust at those characteristics. Honey, embrace it. One day you could rule the world (a good friend once told me). You are an unstoppable force—don’t let anyone make you feel like you are less than that.