Characters Portrayed by Me

a story about moods, faces, and what people say vs. what they actually mean

Apr 27, 2026

There are a lot of things people say that sound like concern on the surface but— if translated honestly— they mean something more backhanded.

I’ve decided there are certain phrases that deserve a more honest translation and a little less faux-solicitude.

Things like:
“You look tired.”
“You’re in a mood.”
“You’re quiet today.”
And my personal favorite— the classic attempt to recede and retract after accidentally revealing oneself negatively:
“I was kidding.”

So I made a collection… a translation collection. Honestly, these are public service translations.

You’re welcome.

Pretty little watercolor portraits paired with those comments that sound normal— until you’ve actually lived inside a face while someone says them— and the suspiciously snide remark your clocking underneath. The honest translation.

Some are subtle. Some blunt. Some are just me trying to make myself laugh instead of committing a felony. (Only joking…)

All of them are based on real expressions, real comments, and real moments where people said something “technically polite” but it was see-through nonetheless.

And because I enjoy being both self-aware and mildly ridiculous—all characters are played by me. Unfortunately.

Tired me.

Unimpressed me.

Fake-smiling me.

“I’m fine” me.

The one whose silence is suspicious.

The one whose face says don’t start with me right now before her mouth even opens.

Maybe I’ll make it a series— my face has range. Don’t blame me, blame everyone else for being so translatable.