I have been told, for as long as I can remember, that I have big, doe-like eyes. I won't complain about it, because it is one of my favorite features... baby animals stay alive by virtue of their cute, big eyes, and I'm sure mine have helped me get this far in life. But for all their benefits, looking like Bambi isn't without its drawbacks.
1. Traveling alone is inefficient and a little awkward.
I am an avid fan of travel, especially through forms of public transportation; but with my eyes, I have what some of my friends have referred to as 'resting scared face.' Even when I'm absolutely calm, if my face is not actively emoting, I look a little unweary. This results in dozens of conductors, bus drivers, security guards, and bellhops asking me if I'm okay, or if I need help finding my train. While I'm really thankful for their dedication to offering help to those in need, it can get a little overwhelming.
2. Professors think you're afraid of assignments.
I cannot count the number of times that my professors have announced a big project, only to look at my face and -with a small chuckle or a fervent guffaw-- remark that I look terrified! Nope. That's just my face.
3. Children may, in fact, accuse you of being a Disney princess.
This one speaks for itself-- it's far less perilous than the other entries on this list, but no less prevalent. This certainly comes in handy for theatrical endeavors, but it can be a little difficult when children stop me in public to ask how the Beast is doing, effectively catching me off-guard and causing me to drop a large bag of kibble, several cans of cat food, and a box of tampons. (Though, I'm sure this third item led to an even more difficult series of questions for the child's mother!)
4. You look like an alien in every baby picture, ever.
Every. Single. One.
5. You seem approachable, so you're the go-to for lost strangers needing advice/directions.
Even when I'm in a crowd of dozens of capable people, I am almost always the one who ends up providing information to questioning strangers. Usually this is a non-issue, but on occasion I get asked a question I do not know the answer to... which then brings us back to the issue of 'resting scared face', because the slight panic that comes with being a socially anxious personal who can't answer a question makes most people look a bit worried... but for me, I am brought into full deer-in-the-headlights glory.
