About a year ago I was informed that I had lived my whole life with the unfortunate trait known as RBF.

RBF, otherwise known as “Resting Bitch Face”, is a term used to describe a person who’s facial expression tends to always be unintentionally annoyed or irritated (AKA me most of the time).

I never realized how prominent my RBF was until I was called out for it by a couple of friends. Now, it is something I live with day in and day out.

The science behind RBF is very interesting, but I would like to clarify for those affected like myself, we are not actually mad… it’s just our face.

I tend to defend it but there are still daily struggles when it comes to RBF; most people just don’t understand our incapability to prevent it. If you aren’t exactly sure if you have it too, perhaps I can shed some light on its effects.

This serious-looking face condition can be a disadvantage in many situations. In addition to the tiresome obligation to constantly defend your current emotional state, you are also a bit unapproachable by those who don’t know how serious the condition is.

Although I have lived nearly 20 years with this condition, I am still learning that the dreaded phenomenon actually affects many people in the world. Large publications such as CNN have actually written articles endorsing its effects and the large people of people that endure its symptoms. CNN stated, “Good news, everyone! You can now wear your mildly discontented face with some validation!” This validation comes from a study conducted last year by scientists Abbe Macbeth and Jason Rogers who claims that believe neutral acting faces are something one can essentially not prevent.

Don’t get me wrong; RBF can be a good thing too. That extra neutral or indifferent expression every once in a while always for one to unbiased in certain situations, although

So, next time someone asked “why so serious?” you could find some validation for your face in the fact that RBF is real- we aren’t just throwing shade.