You know that moment when you’re reminiscing with your best friend about how you met, when she/ he only half-jokingly admits: “I was scared of you before I met you”? “Why?” You ask.
“You looked so…mean.”
Surely not? And then it dawns on you: it must be the curse of the Resting Bitch Face.
Except, it’s not really a curse. And although the concept shouldn’t really exist (I mean, it’s just your face – minus expression) here are nine reasons why there’s nothing wrong with it. In fact, it can actually be quite useful:
#1: You can unknowingly fend off unwarranted advances/comments in most situations.
Even though occasionally strangers tell you to smile, most unwanted advances can be spurned with a choice glance. Yay for RBF!
#2: At work, only the most urgent and important requests will make their way to you.
Not only will it increase your efficiency, but you’ll separate the office wheat from the chaff. Only your bravest (and closest) colleagues will dare interrupt your focus.
#3: Unofficial statistic here, but there’s a 97% chance that you’re not actually mean.
RBF belies your personality and is unlikely to be reflective of your internal state. At least you know you’re smiling inside. Well, maybe.
#4: You don’t have to pretend.
It’s written on your face. So you don’t need to pretend to feel or express what you don’t want to feel or express. Which can get you out of awkward situations like unintentionally committing to walking your neighbor’s dog because you over-enthusiastically smiled that one time you bumped into each other on your way out.
#5: Your face needs plenty of rest, too, not just your body.
Girl, you aren’t gonna get wrinkles because you don’t over emote. Your face, while some people call it RBF, is just your face, resting. Whatever.
#6: I have the most severe case of RBF on whilst writing this but…I’m totally relaxed.
I just look focused. I was also unaware that I was doing it until I caught my reflection in the screen. Which leads me onto the next point.
#7: You probably don’t even look mean and it’s your normal, everyday face.
But (omg) you’re a woman and YOU’RE NOT SMILING? Yeah. A permanent smile plastered across one’s face is yet another unrealistic expectation that women are expected to fulfill, at all times. Have you ever received an unsolicited comment from a random guy on the street telling you to smile? Time to activate Super-Strength RBF.
#8: Kanye’s expression is almost exclusively characteristic of RBF.
But do we acknowledge it as such? No. And you know exactly why.
#9: You’re free to do – and express – whatever you want to.
Resting Bitch Face is a false construct, so don’t let anyone make you feel awkward about it. Instead, look into a mirror, stare down your RBF into oblivion, and embrace it!
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