False Assumptions About RBFs

Graphics by Anika Dua

Hey ‘Cuse. Tell us if this sounds like you. Have you ever just been walking to class while listening to whatever song and suddenly you pass by someone who smiles at you – but only notice at the last second, so you end up staring at them with your default stone cold face that makes it look like you have personal beef with them? If this sounds familiar, you’re in the right place.

You might know this phenomenon as the infamous “RBF” aka: Resting Bitch Face (lovely little acronym there isn’t it). We here at Jerk are very familiar with RBFs and you might have one too. BUT – we’re here to speak up for those with chronic RBF. We aren’t as intimidating as we seem at first glance. Most of the time, we’re just staring off into space because we’re mentally recovering from a really brutal midterm or just really into the song currently blasting in our headphones. Heck, even more than that, we might just be feeling kinda antisocial in that moment and don’t feel like cracking a smile at every other person that walks by.

No matter what though, we’re here to reassure you that these ice cold faces don’t reflect actual anger or dislike towards anyone passing by. It’s just the way we are. We swear.