From time to time I post about things, however trivial, that I feel the need to vent about. Here’s one of those posts!
There’s always that one coworker. I was walking across the office one afternoon, returning from my afternoon break and a male coworker (one who seems to pay attention to my every single move) looked at me and said “it can’t be that bad”. This immediately annoyed me because I already knew that he was referring to my facial expression, but I humored him anyway. I asked “what are you talking about?” He said “well you should smile more. It will make you feel better”. So, yea I had to school him on a few things.
I pulled him aside and let him know 1. I am not here for your entertainment, so there are no smiles on demand (yes, this had to be said due to other comments that he’s made). 2. You’re assuming that I am upset/angry/sad based on a facial expression which is a terrible assumption to make. 3. If you’re truly concerned about how I am feeling, just ask if I’m ok. I know that, to some, this response may seem overboard, but this wasn’t his first time and this whole “you should smile more” “put a smile on your face” thing is a pet peeve of mine. Here are a few reasons why:
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- You probably interrupted my daydreaming. I am the poster child for introversion. It takes nothing for me to get lost in my own thoughts. I am totally unaware of it but I’d bet that this comes with some interesting facial expressions on my part.
- This is my natural disposition. It doesn’t mean that I’m not happy. Telling me to smile only makes things awkward.
- The moment in which you witness me not smiling is only a slice of life, fleeting moment. Rest assured, I do have my ‘smiley’ moments.
- By telling me to smile you are likely to get the exact opposite of a smile. Why? Because you just annoyed me.
- If you really want me to smile. You should smile and, more than likely, I will smile in return.
- A smile is not a good barometer of a person’s overall happiness. It’s ironic that comedians have some of the most tragic realities. It is true that many people smile despite their inner pain, struggles, etc.
- Maybe I am having a bad day and I just don’t feel like smiling. It happens and it’s ok.
I’m not saying that you shouldn’t show concern or care for a loved one when they seem to be feeling down, but what I am saying is that is so unnecessary for you to tell a complete stranger to change their facial expression. We have no need for self-appointed captains of the smile brigade. It’s irksome…it’s annoying. Just stop it because I’m truly ok!
What are some of your pet peeves? We all have our hang-ups and idiosyncracies. It’s ok. Comment below!
