Men, it’s time to talk about a behavior that many women find unsettling: telling us to smile. I recently experienced this when I was in line for coffee, preoccupied with my to-do list for the day. I was lost in thought when I sensed a gaze on me. Turning around, I encountered a guy who said, “Smile! It’s a beautiful day.” He flashed a grin, seemingly oblivious to how invasive his comment was.
As someone who generally enjoys engaging with people, I’ve been conditioned to be polite. Growing up, I absorbed messages about being agreeable and pleasant—smile, be soft and pretty, and don’t make waves. So, in that moment, I gave in and forced a smile, hoping it would end the interaction quickly.
The Reality of Demanding Smiles
But here’s the reality: when men demand that women smile, it comes off as a form of catcalling, an unwelcome request for a reaction that we may not feel like giving. I recently listened to a podcast featuring journalist Clara Thompson, who explored the mindset of catcallers. Shockingly, many believe that their comments are flattering. Polls she conducted revealed that a staggering 85% of women felt angry when faced with catcalling, while 72% expressed disgust.
A Call for Respect
To the men who think telling us to smile is harmless, please reconsider. It’s not endearing; it’s invasive. We don’t want to be told to adjust our demeanor for your approval. It’s uncomfortable when a stranger tries to dictate our mood. Next time I’m out and someone tells me to smile, I’m going to try to resist the impulse to be polite and respond with a clear “No, thank you.” Maybe even a cheeky gesture for good measure.
Further Reading
For more insights on personal boundaries and respectful interactions, you might find this article on home insemination fascinating. For those interested in fertility, Make a Mom offers valuable information about at-home insemination kits. And if you’re looking for resources related to pregnancy, IVF Babble is an excellent source.
Conclusion
In summary, let’s encourage a culture where respect for personal boundaries is the norm. The next time you feel inclined to tell a woman to smile, think about how that might be received.