Having a Resting Bitch Face is one of the most interesting things about me. I didn't realize that I had an RBF until my senior year of college when one of my roommates informed me of this realization. For the longest time, I always felt like I was smiling and appearing friendly while walking around on campus, but apparently that wasn't the case. I quickly learned what some of the qualities of having an RBF were after talking to people that I knew and inquiring about their feelings towards me.
1. You always look pissed off
This is because smiling is not an option for those of us who have RBF. I wasn't even conscious about the fact that I looked pissed off for 3 of the 4 years I spent at Wingate until someone told me. It's just what my face looks like.
2. It's hard for people to determine your feelings about certain subjects
This is because you always have a neutral and/or displeased look going on when people are talking to you. It may not feel like you're expressionless, but you are in most cases. This causes mixed reactions to occur because people may not know how to respond to your particular brand of humor. I experience this on a daily basis: when I use sarcasm, it's hard for people to determine if I'm serious or not. My college roommate used to ask if I was upset or just being "Leah." It's something that people have to adjust to when hanging out with those who have an RBF.
3. Sarcasm can be taken offensively
This is because it's hard for people to decipher your humor and expression. Anyone who knows you very well will understand that you're being sarcastic, while others may need to be eased into understanding your humor.
4. "Cheer up" is a common phrase from strangers
I can't tell you how many times I have received these kind of comments when nothing is wrong. It's just how my face looks.
5. "You should smile more often"
Again, it's just how my face looks and most of the time I feel as though I'm smiling until someone tells me that I'm not.
6. Showing emotion takes practice and time (and it's exhausting)
It really is because of the increased muscle usage. I'm used to being expressionless and when I have to show tons of emotions during group activities and outings, it becomes tiring because I just want to sport my RBF... because it's natural.
7. You're unapproachable to those who don't know you (you're scary)
This is too true. I was the president of an organization for 2 years on campus and many of the members would not contact me directly because they were scared of me. It's unfortunate, but I'm really not that frightening. I might be intense, but not scary.
