We’ve all been there. You’re standing in line, perhaps at your favorite coffee shop, lost in your thoughts, planning your busy day ahead. You might not even be aware of the slight frown etched on your face as you mentally juggle your to-do list. Then, out of nowhere, you hear a voice.
“Smile, it’s a beautiful day!” a man announces, grinning as if he’s just delivered a charming compliment. But instead of warmth, all I feel is a rush of discomfort. It’s unsettling how easily these unsolicited remarks can invade our personal space.
I consider myself an approachable person. Engaging in conversations with strangers is something I enjoy. Growing up, I was taught to be polite, to nod even when I disagreed, and to always wear a smile. The expectation was clear: be soft, be agreeable, and definitely, be happy. But let me be clear – there’s nothing charming about being told to smile by a stranger, especially when it feels so invasive.
On that day, I did force a smile, though it was more about wanting to end the interaction than any real expression of happiness. It’s a sad reality that many women feel pressured to smile, not because they want to, but as a defense mechanism against unwanted advances.
To those men who think telling women to smile is harmless, it’s crucial to understand the impact of your words. It’s akin to a form of catcalling, a way of asserting dominance in a subtle yet unsettling manner. I recently came across a podcast where a journalist, Lisa Harper, confronted men who made similar remarks. Many of them genuinely believed that women would appreciate the attention. But research shows a different perspective: a staggering percentage of women reported feeling angry, nervous, and even disgusted by such comments.
So, to the men out there who think it’s okay to tell a woman to smile: we really don’t appreciate it. We don’t find it cute or flattering. Instead, it feels intrusive and disrespectful. No one should feel obligated to alter their mood just to satisfy someone else’s expectations.
Next time you see a woman in a coffee shop or walking down the street, remember that her feelings matter. Instead of imposing your desires on her, consider respecting her space. And if you feel the urge to comment on her expression, perhaps think twice.
Let’s promote kindness and respect instead of unwarranted suggestions.
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In summary, it’s time for men to realize that telling women to smile is not only unwanted but downright creepy. Let’s strive for a society where respect and understanding take precedence over unsolicited advice.