Victims of "Bitchy Resting Face," You're Not Alone

"Bitchy resting face" is no joke. And some women are taking drastic measures to fix it.

Kristen Stewart
(Image credit: Marie Claire)

If you're not one of the 2 million to watch the viral fake PSA about "bitchy resting face", take a look below. This Funny or Die video explores the plight of the bitchy resting face, or the male counterpart, the "asshole resting face." What is the bitchy resting face? When someone's default face makes them seem unhappy, pissed off, or quite simply, like a bitch. The "condition" has some famous victims. Last week on Jimmy Kimmel, True Blood star Anna Paquin lamented her bitchy resting face, saying that it makes her look like she "wants to kill people." And I think we can all agree that Twilight star Kristen Stewart is another sufferer.

As crazy as it sounds, it just might be a real thing, and something of which many women are anxious to get rid. Plastic surgeon Dr. Anthony Youn told TODAY that many plastic surgeons perform "expression surgeries" — anything from a grin lift to botox injections in order to turn up the corners of the mouth and therefore, make someone's resting face a little less bitchy.

But for those of you with a bitchy resting face, don't fear: Surgery isn't your only option. Simply training yourself to smile more can be the trick to stop people from constantly harping on you, and will make those surrounding you more comfortable, too. Or, you can forget the haters and own it — it's not your job to make everyone happy!

Diana Pearl
Editor

I'm an Associate Editor at the Business of Fashion, where I edit and write stories about the fashion and beauty industries. Previously, I was the brand editor at Adweek, where I was the lead editor for Adweek's brand and retail coverage. Before my switch to business journalism, I was a writer/reporter at PEOPLE.com, where I wrote news posts, galleries and articles for PEOPLE magazine's website. My work has been published on TheAtlantic.com, ELLE.com, MarieClaire.com, PEOPLE.com, GoodHousekeeping.com and in Every Day with Rachael Ray. It has been syndicated by Cosmopolitan.com, TIME.com, TravelandLeisure.com and GoodHousekeeping.com, among other publications. Previously, I've worked at VOGUE.com, ELLE.com, and MarieClaire.com.