We’ve all had our fair share of unsolicited advice from strangers, but how we react to it can vary. One woman, still grieving the traumatic loss of her brother, found herself in a situation where a man on the bus told her to ‘smile, it might never happen.’ She didn’t hold back and gave him a piece of her mind. But was her reaction justified or did she go too far? Let’s dive into the story and find out.
A Painful Memory

Friend’s Comment

The Bus Incident

Her Response

He Pushes Further

The Final Straw

No Way He Could Have Known

Resenting the Comment

Demeaning Intent?

No Genuine Concern?

The Problem with ‘It Can’t Be That Bad’

Friend’s Suggestion ️

Accepting Judgment ♀️

So, Was Her Reaction Justified?
The woman’s response to the stranger’s unsolicited advice left him speechless. While she admits that he couldn’t have known about her recent tragedy, she couldn’t help but feel that his comment was demeaning and not out of genuine concern. Her friend suggested she should have just played along or ignored him, but she felt that would have made her even more uncomfortable. So, what do you think? Was her reaction justified, or did she take it too far? Let’s check out some of the top responses from the internet.
Women share their experiences of being told to smile by men. NTA.
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NTA stands up to unsolicited advice, friend supports with profanity

Telling women to smile? Not okay. NTA for snapping back.

NTA shuts down unsolicited advice on smiling. Empathy is key

Men who tell strangers to smile are condescending creeps.

Unsolicited advice + earphones = . NTA.

Grieving woman defended for snapping at unsolicited advice.

Preach! NTA shuts down body-shaming with perfect response.

Woman receives unsolicited advice to smile from stranger, justified in snapping back

Stranger told her to smile, but she stood up for herself

NTA! Mind your own business, strangers!

Stranger’s unsolicited advice: not helpful, not wanted

Double standard for women’s smiles? NTA shuts down advice.

Stranger learns not to give unsolicited advice

Smiling is not mandatory for women, NTA shuts down sexism

Don’t tell women to smile NTA shuts down advice.

Grieving woman told to smile, snaps back. NTA

Commenter defends woman’s response to unwanted advice, receives apology.

Don’t tell people to smile. Don’t persist when they decline.

Smiling not mandatory. Bright side comments: unnecessary. NTA.
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Stranger’s unsolicited advice on body/expression – NTA claps back

Woman shuts down unsolicited advice, sparks important discussion

Supportive comment shows solidarity with OP’s response to harassment.

Woman justified in snapping at unsolicited advice from annoying men

Stranger gives unsolicited advice, commenter stands up for herself.

NTA shuts down unsolicited advice with a witty comeback.

Don’t tell a stranger to smile, NTA shuts down advice.

Commenter supports woman’s response to unsolicited advice, praises her restraint.

Woman stands up to unsolicited advice, internet approves
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NTA: Kindness not guaranteed for unsolicited comments.

Female Redditor snaps at unsolicited advice, sparks discussion on sexism.

Stranger gives unsolicited advice to woman with headphones. NTA snaps back.

Stranger gives unsolicited advice, woman claps back with justification

Smiling is not mandatory. NTA for standing up.

Commenter defends woman’s actions, no one is the a**hole

Unsolicited advice? No thanks! NTA for snapping back

Compassionate reply to a sensitive topic

Forced smiles build resentment. NTA for not smiling.

Grieving woman shuts down insensitive comment with epic clapback

British slang confusion leads to civil discussion

Stranger criticizes woman’s facial expressions on bus, NTA response justified

Unsolicited advice on smiling? NTA, grief is tough.

Unsolicited advice can be dangerous. NTA for snapping back.

Unsolicited advice to smile is creepy. NTA comment agreed.

Woman stands up to unsolicited advice from man. NTA

Commenter defends woman’s response to sexist stranger

Woman stands up to stranger’s unsolicited advice to smile

Stranger gives unsolicited advice, commenter says NTA.

Commenter not in the wrong according to consensus

Empowering response to sexist comment and supportive friend.

Don’t tell strangers to smile , listen to the world

Woman stands up to unsolicited advice and toxic behavior

Woman shuts down misogynistic advice after funeral.

Friend defends stranger’s inappropriate behavior? Not cool.

Setting boundaries: One woman’s response to unsolicited advice

Last Updated on June 4, 2023 by Diply Social Team