"When I first met you, I was TERRIFIED of you."
You'd be surprised how often I hear that statement. My friends love to tell me about how unapproachable I am, despite my best efforts to be friendly. No matter what I do, I always intimidate people initially. If you haven't guessed by now, I not only live with Resting Bitch Face (RBF) but also with the lesser known Chronic Bitch Voice (CBV).
No matter how happy I am to see one of my friends, I always come across like I couldn't be more miserable. But as I sit here typing this article, I'm listening to Hamilton (hey, Lin-Manuel Miranda) knowing that people around me think I'm insane for jamming in the library. My point is, don't assume someone with RBF is bored/angry. We're a fun group just misrepresented, I promise.
BUT, there is a light at the end of this tunnel. RBF comes with some amazing perks. For instance, I don't laugh at just anything. If something isn't funny, I don't laugh. So to the people who make me laugh, I applaud you.
You have a gift. Perhaps the best thing about having RBF is being able to have something in common with Anna Kendrick and Queen Elizabeth II. So if badass women like them can rock RBF, then so can I.
The benefits of CBV are also pretty great. For example, no matter what I say, I always sound like I'm giving an honest opinion. So I do that now. I tell people exactly what I think, within reason, and now I have become a person that people know they can vent to knowing they'll get an honest answer. After all, honesty is the best policy.
So, if someone across the room looks angry and mean, then it's probable that they too struggle with RBF. Give those people with RBF a chance. I promise we're hysterical and fun to be around. And if they happen to also have CBV, then get ready for a life full of sarcasm.
