I’m Not A B*tch, It’s Just My Face: 7 Struggles Of Introverts With RBF
Chronic bitch face is a plague running rampant throughout Generation-Y, and the public needs to educate itself.
Resting bitch face (RBF) can affect anyone of any race, age or class, and it is found predominantly in the female species.
Generally, we’re good f*cking people. Our genetics just screwed us on initially coming off as friendly and approachable. It’s not our fault.
RBF, combined with an introverted personality, is the absolute worst, though. We sit in the back of any room looking unenthused as hell, but introverts actually have very busy minds.
Generally, we’re very thoughtful and creative, and we’re good listeners. Unfortunately, those with RBF are damned with emitting an unapproachable, crotchety aura.
There are a lot of misconceptions about me and my people, but usually, introverts are not antisocial or automatic assh*les.
So, don’t be so quick to label the silent one with a disgusted expression as an antisocial bitch. We’re actually secretly wonderful.
Here are seven struggles only introverts with resting bitch face understand:
1. Whenever you make new friends, they always open up with, “At first, I thought you didn’t like me.”
This is typically followed by, “You’d always give me dirty looks.”
We don’t do it on purpose. We can neither help our natural facial expressions, nor can we really control them.
Or, we often get, “I didn’t know what you thought of me because you don’t really say anything.” What am I supposed to do, scream from the rooftop I think you’re alright?
Introverts excel in utilizing body language. (Hint, hint.)
2. You always get thrown the “you’re hard to read” card.
If you think about it, it makes sense. You generally keep your thoughts to yourself, and your RBF is a natural force field, blocking your true emotions from humanity.
You can be thrilled about something, but you have the same facial expression you do when you’re thinking about banging your head against the wall. You know the difference yourself, but all everyone else sees is that classic RBF.
3. Introductions are hell.
First of all, the introvert in you barely knows what to say to begin with. Then, your b*tch face radiates the “don’t want to be here or around you” vibe, making you come off 110 percent uninterested in almost every situation.
Creating an uncomfortable feeling for complete strangers is your natural talent.
4. At any point in time, someone will think you are mad at him or her.
Introverts need time alone to recharge their batteries and feel like themselves. We genuinely enjoy being alone sometimes, and it’s nothing personal.
We don’t always answer our phones right away, so chances are we’re not intentionally ignoring anyone.
Four unanswered texts and one day later, we’re walking around looking like someone just pissed in our iced latte. It can make anyone ask questions.
5. If you don’t want to look miserable, you have to make an exhausting, conscious effort.
For some odd reason, strangers think it’s totally fine to tell you it wouldn’t hurt you to crack a smile. (Yes, it would.) The introvert just responds with a fake laugh and moves along.
The line, “It’s just my face,” doesn’t really do you justice anymore. So on most occasions, we just keep it to ourselves, and besides, who really cares?
Also, the very limited number of times I’ve attempted to not have an RBF and “cracked a smile,” I felt like I looked like some creepy killer plotting my next move. It just doesn’t work, so just embrace the RBF for what it’s worth.
6. People outside of your friend group think you’re a complete snob.
Introverts are more so observers than anything else. We gather information on our surroundings and the people in them, analyze it and make ourselves feel as comfortable as we can. It just so happens we do so with a permanent scowl on our faces.
I’ve been told multiple times that I can give off the “I think I’m better than everyone else in the room” vibe, which is false in every possible way.
I’m well aware of my flaws, as one of them not being able to find the off switch to my chronic bitch face.
7. Your true emotions only come out when you’re involved with something you’re passionate about.
Like, hell yes you want to go to Taco Bell! And if some assh*le is messing with one of your best friend’s peace of mind, you have something to say about it. Debates for you are surprisingly a piece of cake, if they concern an issue you basically live to fight for.
If we show real, raw emotion in front of people, they should embrace it because it’s rare. (Unless it concerns guacamole or something because that’s always pure bliss.)
The light at the end of the tunnel? Because you seldom voice the endearing thoughts you have buried deep inside your mind, when you compliment someone, he or she automatically knows it’s genuine.
You wouldn’t say something if it wasn’t true because you don’t really say anything at all to begin with.
When you first open your mouth, people half expect you to spew a slew of passive aggressive insults formulated to sound inoffensive, but definitely are.
However, kind words coming from a silent person with RBF syndrome can really put a smile on anyone’s face, even a fellow chronic RBF.
