i was minding my own business buying a water today and a man ive never met before felt like he should approach me and tell me to smile

i told him i haven't smiled since my mom died. then he didnt know what to say. like oh, have i made things uncomfortable for you

im irritated. i was having a lovely morning. idk what came over me because in situations where im uncomfortable i just laugh awkwardly and try to roll with the punches till it's over. we call this a fawn response ive learned. maybe learning is why my comment took over. or maybe since my mom was much better at conflict she said the words for me lol

another woman on sw had complained about something similiar happening to her a month or two ago and a man left a comment basically saying "you should be lucky someone wants you to be happy" and then he complained about feminism. so for anyone who shares that sentiment id like to offer another pov to consider.. men who approach women to tell them to smile more aren't saying it because they care about their happiness. if you wanted to approach a stranger you think is having a bad day you could ask them whats wrong, you could give them a compliment on their clothes or phone case or hair style, you could even spark up a gentle conversation if they seem interested in talking. but what you don't do is command they do something with their bodies to please you