The person walking past you is not smiling, before you act, please consult this guide on the likely effects of your remarking: “Smile”, “Cheer up”, “It’s not that bad is it?” … or any variation there of.

They are not smiling because:
They have a down-turned mouth, this is simply the relaxed shape of their face and not a reflection of their emotional state in any way.

Your remark is:
An unwanted critical comment on their physical appearance. A dick move.

They are not smiling because:
They have facial paralysis, and cannot smile.

Your remark is:
An unwanted critical comment on their disability. A massive dick move.

They are not smiling because:
They are sad, this could be for any number of reasons including; health issues, mental illness, loss, or bereavement.

Your remark is:
Seriously intrusive and unhelpful, reducing their pain and personal issues down to an unwanted critical comment on their appearance. Hella massive dick move.

For a more concise version of this guide, simply write “I must not make unhelpful passing comments to total stangers about their facial expressions” on the back of your hand.

- @procrastinationathon on a post about street harassment by @Stoya, originally published on Stoya’s tumblr and reposted to Jezebel.

 The last time a stranger ordered me to smile was on a subway platform while an NYPD officer and I were looking for a subway masturbator who I am now pressing charges against. I told the man to drop dead. The cop smiled.