I suck. Definitely on a writing whatever-the-opposite-of-”jag”-would-be. Work is frustrating the bejabbers out of me: I don’t even have the energy to pretend like I don’t hate it. During one particularly disheartening meeting this morning, I did some math on my notes to see how long I could survive on my savings if I were to quit immediately. Then I tried to take a more positive tack and research the only local MLS program, the estimated cost of which depressed me even further. To cite Joss Whedon: grrr, arrrgh.
Oh, and:
Dear loudmouthed man outside the Porter Square T Station at 8:35 a.m.:
I’m sure you thought you were adding sunshine to random commuters’ days this morning with your exhortations to “Smile!” Did you happen to notice how many of us tried to dodge around you and avoid eye contact? At least you weren’t singling me out — pretty much everyone got nagged about their facial demeanor. But really, fuck you, Jack — I’m not some grintastic vending machine placed here to pretty up your day, especially before I’ve had coffee AND on a Monday morning.
There was a discussion about this on Craig’s List a few weeks ago, about guys (in particular) who tell women on the street to “smile!” And the womenfolk seemed to all come to the conclusion that we HATE this and don’t find it charming but merely intrusive. Plus, you know just because I’m not grinning doesn’t mean I’m not happy, and vice versa.
Interesting — which city’s Craig’s list had the discussion? Do you have a link? I’m glad I’m not the only crank who’s bothered by this.
I think you’re prefectly justified in slugging anyone who tells you to “Smile!” when you’re not in the mood. This applies to all aspects of life, not just encounters with random happy-time strangers on the street. It does make for awkward relations with friends and family members, however.
Hiya, another Bostonian! My husband works in town. Ugly commute for him, though.
What guys are doing this? Is this a new thing, and I just don’t know because I don’t get out of the house anymore? Are men that annoying?? Because I would so snarl at anyone saying that to me, sane, or not sane…
Go, Grumpy McSnarly!
The discussion was on the Missed Connections board in NYC, in the form of several posts which I can’t find anymore.
As someone who tends to walk around in my own li’l world, neither smiling nor frowning but just removed, I have heard the admonishment “Smile!” since I was in grade school. But, yeah, it’s also a flirt tactic with an edge of hostility that I hear from guys on subways and sidewalks, etc.