DO YOU HAVE "RBF SYNDROME?!"

In the past on FPL, I've written about so-called "syndromes" identified over recent years by the so-called "Traditional Medical Establishment" ("TME"). (See "The Medicalization Of Mundane Experience: The 'Syndrome' Syndrome.") My favorite at the time was "RLS" or "Restless Leg Syndrome."

Well, I have a new favorite - "RBF Syndrome" or "Resting Bitch Face Syndrome."

This is from Wikipedia:

"Resting bitch face, or bitchy resting face, is a term for a facial expression (or lack of expression) which unintentionally appears angry, annoyed or irritated. The concept has been studied by psychologists and may have psychological implications on facial biases, gender stereotypes, human judgment, and decision making."

This is from the Urban Dictionary:

"A person, usually a girl, who naturally looks mean when her face is expressionless, without meaning to."

Now, you might think that RBF is just a humorous meme, but think again, because once the TME gets ahold of it... That's right! According to the NY Times: "Plastic surgeons say they are fielding a growing number of requests from those who want to surgically correct their 'permafrowns.”

Folks, you don't have to be an expert in body language to understand the concept of "masks," as described in character analytic and bioenergetic therapies. They are the repetitive attitudes, stereotyped verbal expressions, and rigid physical poses and postures we adopt in childhood in a futile attempt to hide ourselves from ourselves and others. But your grandmother knew that when she told you to stop frowning, lest that expression become permanently stuck on you.

The good news is you don't need surgery; your mask can be removed by you in a thorough holistic therapy that gets to the underlying cause of the deformation. In fact, when the mask comes off in therapy, it is a beautiful sight to behold. Suddenly, the entire person's visage becomes supple and vibrant.

So, while she may have been right in her admonitions, for Grandma's sake, take action and heal your RBF... before the TME comes up with a drug for it!