When Cody Simpson delivered his valedictorian speech at his high school graduation last week, his takeaway message was clear -- "Intelligence is the sexiest thing in the entire world," he declared -- and this is a sentiment he takes to heart.

"I'm a big fan when a girl is smarter than you," he recently revealed to PEOPLE, telling the magazine: "That's why I've been with older girls, 'cause I like intelligence."

This was undoubtedly one of his draws to his now-ex girlfriend, Gigi Hadid -- who, at 19, is two years older than the 'Surfboard' singer. But despite the fact that the two have called it quits (and Hadid has been photographed hanging out with Simpson's friend Justin Bieber), Simpson hints that the two will get back together in the future.

"I definitely don't imagine it being over for good," he revealed to the magazine. "We're still really good friends and we chat. We just had to slow it down."

In fact, Simpson claims, it was the desire to focus on his career that ended the relationship.

And while on the topic of dating, the 'DWTS' alum explains that he never used a pick-up line to get a girl's attention.

"I have never really used a pick-up line. An intelligent way to use pick-up lines is don't use pick up lines," he said. "The best way is through handling a situation with confidence -- hint at a girl but not be too forward."

Watch Cody Simpson Talk the Making of His 'Surfboard' Video

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