Re: Mute button...
Been there, done that. I spent literal decades trying to dumb myself down so my acquaintances (and immediate family, FFS!) would like me better.
Then I met a man who actually liked that part of me, and I felt able to indulge that part of myself.
If the people you're around get on your case over it, find new people to be around at least some of the time. Since I stopped metaphorically apologising for taking up space, my life has been so much better.
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Sometimes, it's better to light a flamethrower than curse the darkness. - Terry Pratchett