Aggressively telling women to smile...

[Anonymous]

People don't say it because they want you grinning ear to ear. They say it because you are frowning.

For some people, it's just a reaction. For some guys, it is a way to talk to a woman.

But if you stop frowning, the comments will go away. Frowning is your right, but that is what is going on. I used to get the same thing. Then I learned not to frown while I was walking or thinking.

[Anonymous]

I had that happen one time. I was leaving a store and I know I looked miserable. Someone said to me "You are too pretty not to be smiling...smile!" I said "My grandmother just passed away" (which she did). He didn't say another word...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:And what's up with "Have a nice day!" ??? Don't tell me what to do! And quit prying into my business. I hate those rude people.

Another one is "Thanks for coming!" from store employees. Don't thank me; just provide me a service. And why do they always say it in that gaspy, moaning way? Really irritating.

And don't get me started on "Good morning!". I just about want to strangle those little urchins when they come pounding down the steps each day. They're just trying to manipulate me into cooking breakfast. Jerks.

I think you are trying to belittle or reduce to absurdity the "Smile" phenomenon. Have a nice day/Thanks for coming/Good morning/ are unisexual and while annoying, they are not come-ons and they are not intrusive or manipulative. The "smile" situation irks me because it takes me out of my personal reverie, it's a come-on, and it treats me like some kind of marionette. I'm well into my 40's. I'm not going to paste a smile on my face because some UPS man in his 20's wants me to.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People don't say it because they want you grinning ear to ear. They say it because you are frowning.

For some people, it's just a reaction. For some guys, it is a way to talk to a woman.

But if you stop frowning, the comments will go away. Frowning is your right, but that is what is going on. I used to get the same thing. Then I learned not to frown while I was walking or thinking.

Bully for you. I happen to be thinking about...oh, I don't know, my motion for summary judgment, my daughter's MRI results, my VISA bill, about a thousand different possible things. I don't give a fuck if I'm frowning, it's my interior monogue. Do men get this "smile" business? Of course not! They have a right to any facial expression, frown, grimace, or otherwise.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And what's up with "Have a nice day!" ??? Don't tell me what to do! And quit prying into my business. I hate those rude people.

Another one is "Thanks for coming!" from store employees. Don't thank me; just provide me a service. And why do they always say it in that gaspy, moaning way? Really irritating.

And don't get me started on "Good morning!". I just about want to strangle those little urchins when they come pounding down the steps each day. They're just trying to manipulate me into cooking breakfast. Jerks.

I think you are trying to belittle or reduce to absurdity the "Smile" phenomenon. Have a nice day/Thanks for coming/Good morning/ are unisexual and while annoying, they are not come-ons and they are not intrusive or manipulative. The "smile" situation irks me because it takes me out of my personal reverie, it's a come-on, and it treats me like some kind of marionette. I'm well into my 40's. I'm not going to paste a smile on my face because some UPS man in his 20's wants me to.

I think your own post established that it's not a come-on. People don't often come on to cranky 40-somethings.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People don't say it because they want you grinning ear to ear. They say it because you are frowning.

For some people, it's just a reaction. For some guys, it is a way to talk to a woman.

But if you stop frowning, the comments will go away. Frowning is your right, but that is what is going on. I used to get the same thing. Then I learned not to frown while I was walking or thinking.

I really resent douchebags who are tying to hit on me or even old bitty's who feel they have to control everything in their little world telling me what expression I should have on my face. Seriously, I hate them. They need to devote their energy to controlling their own asshole-ish impulses. I've never been able to come up with a sufficiently snappy comeback though. Really? This is a pick up line? I can't wait to be picked up by the kind of jerk who thinks he can tell me when to smile...how belittling.

[Anonymous]

I get it all the time. Mad sad and tired all look the same on me.

My response to *smile!* is *I will when I get home* in as bitchy or aggrieved a tone as I can muster. Fuck them. It's a free country.

[Anonymous]

I get the "Smile" comment from time to time, but only from African American men. Never from women or men of other races. (I am caucasian and female.)

[Anonymous]

Jeez, most of you sound like complete assholes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And what's up with "Have a nice day!" ??? Don't tell me what to do! And quit prying into my business. I hate those rude people.

Another one is "Thanks for coming!" from store employees. Don't thank me; just provide me a service. And why do they always say it in that gaspy, moaning way? Really irritating.

And don't get me started on "Good morning!". I just about want to strangle those little urchins when they come pounding down the steps each day. They're just trying to manipulate me into cooking breakfast. Jerks.

I think you are trying to belittle or reduce to absurdity the "Smile" phenomenon. Have a nice day/Thanks for coming/Good morning/ are unisexual and while annoying, they are not come-ons and they are not intrusive or manipulative. The "smile" situation irks me because it takes me out of my personal reverie, it's a come-on, and it treats me like some kind of marionette. I'm well into my 40's. I'm not going to paste a smile on my face because some UPS man in his 20's wants me to.

I think your own post established that it's not a come-on. People don't often come on to cranky 40-somethings.

You're absolutely right. Jennifer Aniston, 42, is absolutely sexless and no one would ever hit on her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Jeez, most of you sound like complete assholes.

Smile when you say that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And what's up with "Have a nice day!" ??? Don't tell me what to do! And quit prying into my business. I hate those rude people.

Another one is "Thanks for coming!" from store employees. Don't thank me; just provide me a service. And why do they always say it in that gaspy, moaning way? Really irritating.

And don't get me started on "Good morning!". I just about want to strangle those little urchins when they come pounding down the steps each day. They're just trying to manipulate me into cooking breakfast. Jerks.

I think you are trying to belittle or reduce to absurdity the "Smile" phenomenon. Have a nice day/Thanks for coming/Good morning/ are unisexual and while annoying, they are not come-ons and they are not intrusive or manipulative. The "smile" situation irks me because it takes me out of my personal reverie, it's a come-on, and it treats me like some kind of marionette. I'm well into my 40's. I'm not going to paste a smile on my face because some UPS man in his 20's wants me to.

I think your own post established that it's not a come-on. People don't often come on to cranky 40-somethings.

You're absolutely right. Jennifer Aniston, 42, is absolutely sexless and no one would ever hit on her.

Yes, and the nerve of a woman past 40 even implying she is attractive, and not a complete dried up hag that is a total waste of space and drain on society. How dare her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Jeez, most of you sound like complete assholes.

I hope you are a man. It's so unattractive and gross and women use words like assholes. Your job is to be pretty and make others feel good. Step it up.

[Anonymous]

You would never see some guy saying it to another guy.

I agree. If I wanted to smile, I'd smile, damn it. Stay the hell away from my face!

[Anonymous]

I think this is one of my favorite threads this far on DCUM!