Bring Back Her Smile

The world may encourage a detached, guarded exterior, but nothing is more radiant than a woman unafraid to let her joy show.

Mar 15, 2025

Am I the only one puzzled by modern women's habitual unsmiling facial expressions and attitudes when taking pics? Scroll through social media—especially Instagram, and you’ll see what I’m talking about. The go-to facial pose is that of a self-assured baddie. Not to mention how this Jezebel-like demeanor often trickles down in our daily lives. Usually, when I go to the grocery store or walk through town, I’m struck by how many women today carry an unapproachable, 'mean girl' vibe—even though they might be genuinely sweet inside.

As I carefully write this post, I ponder these questions:

Did we mindlessly adopt this unfriendly demeanor simply because it's what we see our favorite celebrities and influencers doing online?
Are women holding back their smiles out of fear of being seen as too happy, too soft, or maybe too girly? Maybe, we’re smiling less so that we can feel and appear tough, protected and independent.
And are we embracing an unapproachable exterior as a defense mechanism to avoid being bothered altogether?

I’m not 100% sure why we’re holding back our beautiful smiles when it’s so priceless. It can literally brighten up someone’s day! The most genuine ones seem to have a comforting and strengthening effect on others.

Back then, a woman’s smile was her best accessory to feeling more womanly, attracting a potential spouse, or inspiring connection. Interestingly, with the rise of the ‘resting boss face’ it seems like we have traded our radiant beam for a more controlled, ‘boss-babes’ expressions particularly when out in public or when taking photos.

If social media has taught us anything, it’s that looking detached and unapproachable is in. Of course, I understand the need for a woman to assert herself when she feels her safety is at risk or wants to avoid unwanted male attention. However, this overall mean-girl demeanor seems to be a trend shaped by the boss babe aesthetic than feeling afraid of one’s life.

So how does a woman bring back her smile, and not be afraid to display in her face what her heart is feeling—peace, joy and gratitude?

Well, she has to shift her mindset. A confident woman doesn’t need to suppress her joy to be taken seriously. Don’t hold back you smile just because the world equates a serious look with authority or even feminine power. Also choose to focus on what’s good, what God has blessed you with, and your face will naturally reflect it. Smiling starts from within. And lastly, try to surround yourself with people and experiences that make you laugh, uplift your spirit, and remind you that life is indeed beautiful.

I smile because it tells the world, “I’m at peace,” and “I’m in joy.”

I smile because life is good despite its several challenges.

I smile because I love Jesus, and have great hope in my Lord and Savior.

I smile because I’m free.

As crazy as it may sound, allowing our checks to move upwards is one of the most humane things we can do in these last days. And smiling doesn’t have to be a response to something funny, but a choice that naturally unfolds from our thankful hearts.

Exuding true beauty has more to do with our spirit than anything else, and nothing makes a woman more beautiful than a heart filled with gratitude and unapologetically showing it off to the world in her facial expression.

Smiling is contagious, graceful, a super attractive feminine trait. Plus it has loads of health benefits, according to science.

The world may encourage a detached, guarded exterior, but nothing is more radiant than a woman unafraid to let her joy show. So go ahead and smile. Even better, laugh as the world gets a little brighter when you do. 😊 🌻

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