RBF also referred to as "resting bitch face" has plagued me for most of my life. Often times as I walk from class to class I get lost in my own thoughts (and equally lose myself from the present). Similarly, at work I get so concentrated, I don't actively pay attention to constantly grinning at the people that I pass. Apparently, in both situations my lips curve in a slightly downwards manner, enough to label me with RBF (and face its effects). Here are some things people may do to you if you also deal with chronic RBF:
1. People always tell you to smile![]()
This is one of my personal pet peeves, especially when it comes from a stranger passing me on the street or in a store. Not only does it completely disrupt my thoughts (although I understand that it is an apparently kind gesture?), but it also brings unnecessary attention to my being. If I wanted to smile, I would smile. Is it really realistic to walk around with a grin on your face everywhere? Telling me to smile will probably make me actually scowl outright at you to be honest.
2. People may be intimidated by you
As a tall-ish and relatively quiet person, RBF definitely doesn't help me any. Also being near-sighted (and always forgetting or refusing to wear my glasses), I often times just miss seeing people in the distance. I can't help it and have had people tell me they were initially nervous of me when first meeting me. Sorry, I promise I'm nice. It's just my face has a mind of it's own.
3. People can't tell if you're joking
Your sarcasm and lack of facial emotion is so strong that people may think you are serious. Sometimes when initially meeting people, this can cause for some awkward moments.
4. You think you look happy when actually you look like this:
5. People may think you are cat-like
Plotting, mischievous, mysterious. This may not necessarily be a bad thing.
Sure, having RBF can be aggravating at time, especially when I am unnecessarily reminded of it. However, I am also a strong believer in loving and accepting yourself, and yes, that includes my face and it's uncontrollable grumpy tendencies. Having RBF certainly has positivites: being intimidating isn't the worst thing in the world by any means.
