As a woman, there are times when I feel uncomfortable doing everyday tasks because of my gender. It isn't because I'm inept or too emotional or hormonal. I simply don't feel like having to address comments made by or glances from men, who are normally at least old enough to be my father.

If you've never had the (dis)pleasure of being catcalled or experienced any other kind of street harassment then I envy you, and I hope you never have to because it is uncomfortable, unsettling, and most of all infuriating.

I was recently in line at a restaurant in front of a gentleman who was continuously making comments to the woman he was with about "how angry the girl behind the counter looked." When he made it to the place where orders were being taken, he made a comment to the female employee about how she was "popping his cherry" because it was the first time he'd ever been there. She surprisedly looked up at him and nervously laughed. He said, "I just saw you were looking so mad, I had to do something to brighten your day."

Attention, all people: Making lewd comments at a strange woman because of an expression on her face doesn't make her smile because she has now suddenly become happy upon your suggestion. Usually the only reason why she reacts the way she does is because she's secretly scared that if she doesn't, it's possible that you'll overreact and do something unnecessarily drastic.

There is no reason why I or any woman should have to change her plans because she feels unsafe walking by a man, group of men, or anyone who looks like they're going to say something to us. If the expression on my face is making me look unapproachable, guess what? It's likely because I really don't want anyone to approach me.

Contrary to what you're saying to me in probably the most condescending way possible, smiling won't make me any prettier, telling me to smile won't make my day better, and yes, I do in fact already know how to smile, so no, I do not need to learn.

Honestly, what difference does it make if the person walking down the street by you, working at her job which is the business at which you are choosing to spend your money or is essentially doing nothing but merely occupying the same space is you, is smiling or not? There is no way of knowing what kind of day that woman had, what situation she's in or what may be waiting for her at her home. Please, just leave her alone. You aren't making her day better; you're undoubtedly making it worse.