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Quit Resting Your Face
Own your power and speak out about the world around you
Stand before the people you fear and speak your mind — even if your voice shakes.— Maggie Kuhn
Have you ever wondered why so many people, women especially, are accused of having a resting bitch face? This term gets thrown around often, yet its implications reveal something more profound about societal expectations and the way we’re taught to express — or suppress — ourselves.
For women, in particular, there’s an early socialization process that teaches restraint. We’re often encouraged to hold back, to be agreeable, and to avoid expressing emotions that might be interpreted as displeasure or defiance.
I believe this is why so many of us develop what’s known as a resting bitch face. Over time, our faces adapt to concealing frustration or dissatisfaction. I became aware of this only when I noticed the tension in my face, especially my jaw. As I check in on my muscle tension throughout the day, my jaw is the most tense — a silent witness to years of holding back.
Recognizing this tension led me to a new commitment: I want to speak my mind more freely but naturally. As a professionally trained listener, talking isn’t always second nature. My attention often shifts to others, picking up on the slightest cues in their…