Resting bitch face

[peacetraveler22]

Today I was reminded of a unique phenomenon we call "resting bitch face" in English. I'm not sure if this expression is used in Russian, but it refers to people (mostly women) who always have an angry, annoyed or irritated expression on their face. The expression does not always correlate with the emotions of the particular moment, and there have been some psychological and physiological studies to determine whether resting bitch face is genetically inherent, or whether it's a true reflection of a person's mood or personality. There has been no conclusive answer. :) Normally, I'm a very cheerful, smiley person but lately it seems I probably have this resting bitch face expression too often. Do you know women, or men, who always have this look of displeasure or irritation on their face? There are several female celebrities who have notably been diagnosed as having resting bitch face - Kristen Stewart, Anna Kendrick, Victoria Beckham. Just look at photos of them online, and you will see it's true! Personally, I could never date or constantly be around someone who always looks like a sour puss! :)) A nice smile is immediately inviting, while a look like this screams "stay away!"

Comments

Это мне знакомо:)

[andrey-kaminsky.livejournal.com]

I always use "Russian face" if dogs attack and when i visit the church. The animals flee keeping tails between their legs, statues of of Christ begin to cry.

Вот и я то же самое говорю

[andrey-kaminsky.livejournal.com]

Прежний мистер Ки был позитивнее. Надеюсь он на повышение пошёл и наслаждается заслуженными ништяками.

Ничего страшного, всё меняется к лучшему

[andrey-kaminsky.livejournal.com]

Сейчас уже делают косметические уколы в губы, формируя их по всякому - пройдёт немного времени и люди додумаются с помощью инъекций формировать рот так, чтобы он всегда улыбался. Многие писатели уже задумывались об этом, это даже, по-моему есть в знаменитом "1984".

[barabaan.livejournal.com]

This expression isnt bitchy enough, try harder ;-)

[(Anonymous)]

This stereotyped thinking leads to nowhere (in my view). External or internal factors influence the mood, which then manifest itself in facial expressions. If those around you all have that bitchy look, then you should worry. :)
Because...
A. ...it is something personal /they hate you
B. ...it is deemed to be inappropriate/insane
C. ...they are clearly worse off and therefore it isn't the right place for you to stay

[perycalypsis.livejournal.com]

Americans have special facial expression I would call 'the distrust of the Russian'

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

[den-dark.livejournal.com]

Resting Bitch Face is really type of face - not type of face expression as I know.
In Russia I don't think we use that term anyway. I always used it in English. And don't trust to much to people who claims that Russians don't like smiles. We do, and prefer smiles to sour expression. But we always try to be serious.

[saccovanzetti.livejournal.com]

hate that arrogant look! ;)

what were you looking at?

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Of course, females know all these tricks. :) But a lot of men are attracted to this bitchy personality over a nice one. They see the woman as more of a challenge. Something to "conquer" and "tame." :)

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Too many people are constantly in a bad mood. I wonder what makes them this way? I guess they are too lazy to change their life situation to improve it for the better. Although we all certainly have bad and depressive days.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

I didn't even know about this community. Not sure which woman you're talking about though. What's her LJ name?

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

It's not really my nature to be a bitch, well unless you really screw me over and then you will feel the wrath of Shannon. :))

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

It is not stereotyped thinking. This is a physical and mental condition that has been studied by doctors and scientist to determine the cause of the expression. Google the terms "resting bitch face" and you can see the studies.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Most Americans think absolutely nothing about Russia or Russians. It is not even on their radar screen. We are mostly concerned with domestic issues here, like most countries.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Sure, many Russians smile. The main difference is societal customs with strangers, where people in the U.S. frequently smile and speak with strangers, and this has not been my experience in Russia.

[den-dark.livejournal.com]

In Russia stranger can be often aggressive. Or very helpful. I think this is the cause )

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

This photos was taken last summer in Maine. I was actually on a beautiful sailboat, on a gorgeous, breezy and cool day. So, I'm not sure why this expression appears on my face. :)

[piterburg.livejournal.com]

Similarly, lots of women are attracted to men who are jerks and bastards..;-)

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Yep. Been there, done that many times in my 20's. Now stability, intellect and kindness are the most important qualities in a potential mate. :)

Re: Ничего страшного, всё меняется к лучшему

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Yes, so many women looking like clowns now with their big, puffy inflated lips. I don't understand modern definitions of beauty, and especially not from the perspective of a Russian man. I wonder why men from your part of the world find it so easy to criticize and insult females based on their appearance? Your mothers didn't teach you manners?

[(Anonymous)]

You see, proved you don't trust me !

[piterburg.livejournal.com]

Really? Not being sexy and a good kisser?

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Well, these are also important. :) But I would not place them at the top of the list. Sexual performance can always be improved, if a man is willing to take direction.

[anna-sollanna.livejournal.com]

Well, I have never noticed this "resting bitch face" but in Russia I used to notice very often another expression on female faces. It was a mixture of contempt and sneer, and it was the usual face worn by teachers and other women who's got high education but didn't earn enough money in their lives. In their childhood and youth they were taught that they shouldn't swear, shouldn't fight like boys etc. So all they could do in a situation when they were offended or angry was to show how they despise their adversaries, to show the latter that they are mean and miserable in comparison with a woman they have offended. As a rule, adversaries (especially if they were from a lower class, some hooligans without even the full secondary education) were not frightened by such an expression but it was the only "defense" of these women, and they used it too often and finally such a face fixed tightly to their faces...