I have this. And combined with the “big eyes…” Pretty sure it’s why I’m still single.

I’m a mostly nice person, and I’m funny. But if I’m not smiling, it’s all bad. I was telling a friend yesterday about how one time at a bar, a guy standing behind me tapped me on the shoulder to chat and I think to buy me a drink (which, like never ever happens anymore), and I turned around with my “I’m-interested-in-what-you-have-to-say-raised-eyebrow” look and his response was “Damn, bitch! Why you got a attitude?” It’s an attitude obviously, but it didn’t seem like the right time to correct his grammar.

Recording artists Jay Z and Beyonce watch from courtside during the first half of the NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks in Dallas ejsideeye

See, the main problem is that I lack the ability to raise my eyebrows without widening my eyes. I was born without the very crucial eyebrow isolation tendon-ligament. So my “yes, how can I help you?” looks exactly like my “the eff you want?”  I could give Beyonce a run for her money in a side-eye contest — and y’all know that’s tough to do. Plus I’m puffy and people always assume puffy, brown girls are mad. I’m so aware/self-conscious about it that during a production meeting before we started shooting “Exhale” I explained to my co-hosts, director and producer that I have absolutely no control over my face and not to think I was “judge-y” or had a attitude.

The one cool thing about the “big eyes” is that they work great for stand-up. People come up to me all the time after shows to talk about my eyes. They use words like “expressive” and “communicative,” and compliment me on them. And it’s always strange to hear because before I started comedy, the closest thing I ever got to a compliment was, “You got some big ass eyes.” 

I’ve tried to go out to places and purposefully look happy and approachable but you can’t sit around cheesing all the time without looking simple. So please, help me spread the word:

Erin Jackson is not really a giant bitch. She just looks like one.

7 thoughts on “Bitchy resting face

  1. Sonya Cooper

    Erin,
    Please do not forget to add to your “bitchy” also comes from your Jersey upbringing and Howard education! Love ya Sis!

  2. Erin

    That’s how you KNOW it’s bad Sonya — when people in Jersey think you have bitchy face…


    Sonya Cooper:

    Erin,
    Please do not forget to add to your “bitchy” also comes from your Jersey upbringing and Howard education! Love ya Sis!

  3. Erin

    I’m sure you are Monique! I just wanted to write about it because I’m tired of suffering in silence. There’s strength in numbers. I’m here for you.


    Monique:

    I have it too! Couple that in with being a giant and everyone thinks I’m a tall bitch. I actually very nice.

  4. SupaSoulSis

    Erin,

    1st off congrats on the “Exhale” show; it’s ALWAYS nice to see a fellow Jersey girl do well.

    Let’s get right down to the topic at hand…I too am afflicted with the same BRF condition better known as, “Bitchy Resting Face.” Its unfair, I am a generally very cool person. However, with this BRF I look dissmissive and men are not sure to even try. *sigh* Then, I am beautifully tall with long locs, so most may think they need to be sharing Kwanzaa practices with me or something. dunno. Now some part of me loves the no-nonsense part of personality, but my warm/down-to-earth side are often undiscoved until deep conservation happens.

    We all need to start a support group & offer tips to try every month to document the affects. Might be more stand-up material! LOL

    ~Sherry aka SupaSoulSis

  5. Erin

    Haha, I’m with you Sherry! What would our support group be called?


    SupaSoulSis:

    Erin,
    1st off congrats on the “Exhale” show; it’s ALWAYS nice to see a fellow Jersey girl do well.
    Let’s get right down to the topic at hand…I too am afflicted with the same BRF condition better known as, “Bitchy Resting Face.” Its unfair, I am a generally very cool person. However, with this BRF I look dissmissive and men are not sure to even try. *sigh* Then, I am beautifully tall with long locs, so most may think they need to be sharing Kwanzaa practices with me or something. dunno. Now some part of me loves the no-nonsense part of personality, but my warm/down-to-earth side are often undiscoved until deep conservation happens.
    We all need to start a support group & offer tips to try every month to document the affects. Might be more stand-up material! LOL
    ~Sherry aka SupaSoulSis

  6. Dr. Jenny

    Guilty!! and I have small eyes…I think it’s more Jersey than anything. My resting face is a HOT (unapproachable) MESS!

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