In a male-dominated tech consulting job, a woman is told by her boss to smile more in meetings. Feeling uncomfortable, she asks her coworkers if he’s ever told them to do the same. When they all say no, she decides to give her boss a silly smile instead.
Though it’s a running joke at the office now, she wonders if she was wrong for gaslighting her boss. Was she the a**hole for her fake smile thing? Read on to find out more about the situation .
Breaking gender stereotypes in the tech industry – a woman’s experience.

When the boss’s request was totally uncalled for

Navigating double standards and client attitudes in the workplace

Employee hilariously trolls boss’s request to smile more

Employee’s revenge with a fake smile and double chin

When the joke’s on the boss

Misunderstood at work? We’ve all been there

Coworkers defend woman’s unique smile with photo evidence

Explaining her smile to her boss, things got awkward

Boss critiques fake demeanor, prefers genuine attitude with clients

Keeping it real: When faking enthusiasm doesn’t come naturally

Office joke turns into smashing nickname resembling Nigel Thornberry

Avoiding sexism with fake smiles – AITA for being indirect?

Woman gives boss unexpected fake smile to combat sexism
In this story , a woman working in a tech consulting job was told by her boss to smile more, claiming that she was coming off as too harsh with clients. Feeling frustrated, she confided in her coworkers who pointed out the double standard and suggested she respond in a humorous way. She started smiling more, but with a pinched, bug-eyed expression, and purposely pulled her chin back towards her neck to give herself a double chin.
Her boss became uncomfortable and questioned her about the face she was pulling, but her coworkers had her back and showed that it was just her natural smile. The woman’s boss eventually realized his mistake and admitted that her fake smile was coming off as disingenuous. The incident became a running joke at the office and the woman was given the nickname Nigel Thornberry.
While she feels a little bad for gaslighting her boss, she learned to stand up for herself and confront sexism in a humorous way. Stay tuned for the comments and reactions from Reddit !
NTA and a great team to work with!

NTA. Boss learned his lesson. Coworkers had her back

Malicious compliance wins, NTA
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/93b4dd35-4ca1-4af3-9fe7-e5b324a77760.png)
Boss demands fake smile, gets fake smile, and coworkers have her back

Employee’s revenge on boss with unexpected results. NTA

NTA. What a clever and satisfying way to deal with a creepy boss. The coworkers’ support is heartwarming ❤️

Boss tells woman to smile more, woman delivers with deranged smile

Solid coworkers and an amazing person gets what she deserves!

Directness gets you nowhere, but this response made legends

NTA gets top marks for perfect malicious compliance

NTA, but use this as an opportunity to have a conversation

Smiling in the workplace? Not on my watch ♂️

Woman shuts down sexist boss, internet applauds
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/8aefb355-1d3d-4c37-9914-eec8c0ccf039.png)
Applauding the OP for being NTA and deserving gold

Cheering for the employee who outsmarted the boss

Woman shuts down sexist boss and inspires laughter with photo.

Exposing sexism and turning the tables on a sexist boss.

Friendly greeting and not the a-hole

Commenter finds situation hilarious and supports OP’s actions

Genius Malicious Compliance! NTA wins the day.

Spread the weird smile revolution with coworkers! #NTA

Breaking the gender stereotype: Smile doesn’t define femininity

Coworkers support OP against terrible boss

Coworkers show support for funny poster, NTA prevails

Boss gets taste of own medicine, employee fired but satisfied

Hilarious response to boss makes for a great story

Laughter is the best response! NTA

Female employee stands up to sexist boss with support of co-workers

When compliance becomes revenge, enter r/maliciouscompliance

Nigel Thornberry earns respect for unexpected move. NTA

Woman shuts down sexist boss with clever response

Solidarity wins! Coworkers support NTA

Grateful for coworkers who step up and a boss who didn’t.

Spread some joy with NTA and a smiley face

Boss gets what he deserves. You and coworkers are gold!

A hilarious story with the best coworkers! NTA

Commenter hailed as hero with Nigel Thornberry reference

Commenter hilariously supports OP’s NTA status with laughing emoji.

Bosses who demand fake smiles can f**k off

Commenter questions whether boss’s request was sexist or not

Receiving unwelcome feedback? Don’t gaslight your boss, be professional

Redditor questions if OP considered company image before calling out boss.

Commenter calls out OP for unprofessional behavior at work. Yikes

Breaking gender roles and standing up to sexism. NTA

Coworkers show support for NTA employee

Coworkers show loyalty and support. Heartwarming. ❤️

Empowering response to workplace misogyny

Female employee praised for standing up to boss with coworker support

This comment made someone laugh out loud! NTA

Laughing in solidarity with NTA commenter

Commenter relates to post, uses humor to break tension

Employee gets revenge on sexist boss with harmless gaslighting

You’re a hero! ♀️

Teamwork makes the dream work! ❤️

You and your supportive coworkers are awesome! NTA

Clever response to boss’s request earns NTA judgement

Justified gaslighting? NTA comment section thinks so.

Commenter hilariously calls out pun in thread

Breaking gender stereotypes in the workplace.

Embrace the nickname, you’re a hero! NTA

Positive male allies show support for woman in workplace

HR associate calls out discrimination in workplace ⚖️

Cheers to the supportive coworkers and NTA OP

Well played! Not the a**hole in this situation.

Boss gets what he deserves, hero saves the day
