Don't tell me to smile

  • Maria Ingram

Smile, it can't be that bad... How many times have you heard this? Had it yelled at you across the street? Listened to your boss in a performance review? Had a coworker think it's funny? Most of us are just trying to go about our day without commentary from others on our bodies or telling us to smile. We're socialized to think we exist for the male gaze, but the truth is we're not here to please anyone but ourselves. No one has autonomy over your body but you. How you exist is your business. Regardless of how much you smile.