What does it mean to be smart?

"I don't like that person because they're not very bright."

That's what someone said about someone else.
Lightly, mixed with a joke.

It was just a remark that came up in a trivial conversation, but it made my heart ache.

I don't think the person who was called not bright is actually not bright.
I don't know if they are smart or not, but they are full of their own unique charm, and I like them.

But I didn't know what to say, so I just gave a sheepish laugh.

Is the person who called someone else not bright actually smart themselves?
They are certainly capable.
They work quickly and don't miss anything.

The person who was called not bright is certainly always cutting it close with their work and often forgets things.

…Me too.
I wonder if people think I'm not bright, too.

But.
What does it mean to be smart?
What kind of people do I think are smart?

The people who come to mind are all kind.
When I'm in trouble, they mobilize all their knowledge and wisdom to listen to me and support me.

People who can use their intelligence for the sake of others.
People who can use their intelligence to help others.

Because I gave a sheepish laugh, the person who said it probably felt their opinion was validated.

They might say something similar again.
When they actually interact with that person, they might do so with the assumption that they are not bright.
Things like that come across in the nuances of one's actions and words.
That person will end up feeling sad.
They might already be feeling that way.

That's why I should have spoken up.
I should have told them not to say things like that.

Did I lack the courage?
Did I not want to make the person in front of me uncomfortable?
Did I lack the expressive power and vocabulary to convey my thoughts without making the other person uncomfortable?

Perhaps it would be fair to describe someone who has the courage to express what they want to say while being considerate of others as having intelligence, or being smart.

I want to be smart, too.
I want to be able to help people with my intelligence.