Since my pre-teen years, I've been familiar with the unsolicited advice that I'm "prettier when I smile." This feedback was rooted in the perception of my resting bitch face, which many mistook for an expression of meanness. In reality, I have always been someone deeply observant of my surroundings, and my face naturally settles into an expression that others might read as stern or uninviting.

Growing up, this misunderstanding shaped how people perceived me before they even knew me. In middle and high school, classmates often assumed I was unapproachable or unfriendly simply based on my facial expression. It was a label I carried, not by choice but by nature of my expressive, contemplative demeanor.

However, as I grew older and embarked on a journey of self-love and acceptance, I learned to appreciate every aspect of myself, including my resting bitch face. It is a part of who I am—a person who observes, thinks deeply, and does not default to a smile unless it's genuinely inspired by my feelings.

Today, I stand proud with my resting bitch face, not because I wish to appear formidable, but because it is an authentic part of my expression. I smile when my heart feels joy, not because societal norms demand it to make others comfortable. Moving through the world, I do so with grace and authenticity, accepting that my facial expressions are mine to own, and they don't need to be softened or altered to fit conventional expectations of femininity and approachability.

This realization has been liberating. It's a form of empowerment to reject the idea that women must always appear soft and pleasant to be deemed beautiful or worthy of respect. My face, whether in rest or in animation, is an honest reflection of my inner state and not a canvas for others' comfort.

For anyone struggling with similar perceptions, remember: your face and your expressions are your own. Embracing them is a powerful affirmation of your identity and self-worth. You do not owe anyone a smile. Your beauty and your value are not diminished by how your face rests naturally. Let us all move forward with the understanding that our expressions are diverse and valid, just like us.