One of the best things about Miley Cyrus is her ability to be utterly candid to the public. We’ve known this for a while, so it comes at no surprise that she would be the same way now that she’s a single woman again.

Photos surfaced this past weekend of her and old friend Cody Simpson packing on the PDA out to eat in Los Angeles. Miley and the 22-year-old Australian musician have been good friends for quite some time now, so it’s not a huge surprise to see them together.

Haters, of course, were not slow to come at her for dating. Shortly after Miley announced her split from Liam Hemsworth back in August, Miley was seen with Kaitlynn Carter, and the two quickly became an item. She received her fair share of criticism for that, so she was quick to come at haters this time.

“I am trying to just THRIVE/survive in a ‘mans’ world …. if we can’t beat em, join em!” she wrote on Twitter. “If our president can ‘grab em by the p*ssy….’ can’t I have a kiss and açaí bowl?!?!”

Miley made it clear that she and Cody aren’t going to stop their public outings anytime soon. She also noted how she’s free to date whoever she wants, and the media has no say in that.

Don’t f*cking pity me, not what I’m asking for. I have a great life I wouldn’t trade for ‘privacy,’ but PLEASE don’t make this awkward for me! I am trying to make light and like always MAKE FUN of myself / and the public’s perception of me! Get used to me dating – this is where I am at!”

You tell ’em, Miley!