Everyone knows that one person who always seems to look like they are angry at the world. They always have a frown or a dead glare on their face, looking like they hate everyone and everything. I’m here to let you know that, as one of those people, we don’t hate you and we probably aren’t angry at the world. We just suffer from chronic RBF. Resting Bitch Face.

1. “Are you okay?” “What’s wrong?"

The end all and be all question towards someone with RBF. You’re probably fine. You might even be having one of the best days of your life, but the only thing anyone can focus on is the fact that you look miserable. The truth is, you’re probably thinking about food, or homework, or just zoning out. But the considerate people of the world will think you’d just been through a tragic experience and back.

2. Being unapproachable

I’ve been in a lecture hall full of people with two empty seats on either side of me. Why is this? Answer: RBF. I could be (and probably am) the most unintimidating person you will ever meet, but one glance at my RBF sends people running.

3. “I’m just tired”

Classic response. When someone asks if you’re okay, this is your go-to answer. The good thing about it is, it’s not even a lie. Because you do get tired (exhausted) of people questioning your well-being. By now, my mom knows that whenever she asks if something is wrong, I’ll almost always come back with the excuse for my RBF is that I’m tired.

4. One face for every emotion

Excited? RBF. Sad? RBF. Confident? RBF. RBF. ALWAYS. But it’s not like you do it on purpose. It just happens naturally.

5.Concentrating on smiling/seeming pleasant

Whenever you want to impress someone, or seem naturally pleasant to your crush or a new professor, you have to concentrate on avoiding your RBF. This is probably one of the hardest things to do for an RBF victim. Reminding yourself to smile and nod is a daily task that is difficult- but necessary.

6. Someone is almost always telling you to smile

“You should smile more” “I never see you smile” The great thing about this is that you can come back and say something like “It’s the botox” or “I have a face made of stone.” Really freaks them out.

7. When you finally do smile

That moment in class or with your friends when your teeth are visible for the first time in forever there is either a brief moment of shock, excitement, or pure confusion.

8. Always looking bored

Professors probably always think you hate the class, the subject, or both- but in reality you’re either indifferent or totally inspired by it. Judging by your RBF, though, no one would ever even have a clue.

9. Using your RBF to your advantage

Personally, my favorite part about having Resting Bitch Face. If someone walks in the room and you really don’t want to talk to them- put on your best RBF and you won’t have to talk to anyone for the rest of the day.