TV has always been one of my most treasured and constant companions, and this year hasn't been any different in that respect. Hooray for some small semblance of normalcy! Unsurprisingly, I've binged a number of series over the past year and thought I'd share some of the standouts. I honestly tried to narrow it down to a top five, but couldn’t bring myself to eliminate any past these six. They’re listed in order of when I watched them, because I also couldn’t bring myself to rank them. Dispatches from Elsewhere A brief intro: This miniseries follows a a ragtag group of four who are recruited to take part in a city-wide search for a missing girl named Clara. They're not sure if Clara is real, if it's a game, a cult, some kind of immersive art experience, or something else entirely. But they participate in the mystery and have all kinds of fun and exciting adventures. Watch the trailer! Why I looove it: It's created by and starring Jason Segel! Before watching it, I didn't think it was possible to love him even more than I already did, but apparently it was, because I do. This series is so wonderfully, weirdly whimsical, and so, so much fun. It's quirky in a way that's definitely not for everyone, but I obviously enjoyed it. It has unconventional pacing reminiscent of Twin Peaks , a few animated sequences, a Bigfoot dance party on the streets of Philadelphia... That kind of thing. It also has a Les Miserables musical number that succeeds in a way that Dawson's Creek did not ( eat your heart out, Joey Potter ). One of the main themes of the show is harnessing your "divine nonchalance”— seeking out those moments of everyday magic that people rarely remember they should be searching for, and looking at life with awe and joy. It also has a great message of self-acceptance and being the best you that you can be by caring for those around you. The characters are all so well-rounded and lovable— the kind that you wish were real so they could be your friends. It just has so much heart and warmth. It’s also really funny, but not in the raunchy way you might expect from Jason Segel—I think it’s one of the few things he has written where he keeps his clothes on the whole time. While it does have an eerie vibe, it’s definitely not as dark as the trailer makes it seem. I'd recommend it if: You need to remember how to find the magic in and around you. Where to watch: Unfortunately it’s only available on AMC+ (though I think it’s well worth $6.99 for the month to watch it and then cancel) or on DVD. Hart of Dixie A brief intro: Dr. Zoey Hart moves from NYC to Bluebell, Alabama to take over half a family practice that a stranger left to her in his will. When she arrives, she’s greeted by a curmudgeonly doctor who wants the practice to himself and a quirky small town that’s overall unaccepting of her big city ways. She also meets a guy who she immediately falls for (as one does on TV), a snarky neighbor who's always taking his shirt off (though not quite as much as Archie Andrews), and a lovable mayor from whom she's renting her house. Watch the trailer! Why I looove it: Honestly, I remember seeing commercials when it was on and thinking it looked cheesy. And it is. But in a good way! Hart of Dixie is a happy escape show. It's not stressful,* the characters are wonderful —even the ones who seem awful in the beginning become lovable by the end— and it's really goofy. The first season is great, but it really hits its stride in season two. The town becomes weirder, and one of the main characters who is kind of bland in the first season starts showing his goofball side, and it's wonderful. * A quick warning that the first couple episodes do have somewhat graphic medical scenes, but for the most part the series stays away from that . I'd recommend it if: You want a show that will make you smile and help you forget your worries. Or if you watched Virgin River and really enjoyed Tim Matheson playing a grumpy doctor who doesn't like the new medical professional in town, because he did it in Hart of Dixie first. Where to watch: Netflix took it off a couple months ago, and now the only place it’s available is IMDb TV, which means commercials. Boooo. Jane the Virgin A brief intro: Jane Gloriana Villanueva is (you guessed it!) a virgin, and she’s accidentally artificially inseminated at a routine OB/GYN appointment. It just so happens that the sperm she's inseminated with belongs to a man she shared a kiss with years ago and who recently became her new boss. She also has a boyfriend with whom she's very much in love, and she's just trying to finish school and become a teacher, and obviously none of this fits into her plans. Watch the trailer! Why I looove it: It is absolutely ridiculous in the best way. It's based on a telenovela, so it has all kinds of outlandish plot twists, but they make sure to recap any info you need so it's easy follow. It has a funny narrator and charming characters. I'd recommend it if: You want something fast-paced, funny, and totally distracting. Where to watch it: Netflix! Dash & Lily A brief intro: Lily leaves a red notebook with a series of puzzles and a dare in a book store. Dash finds it and writes back. This leads to Dash and Lily taking turns challenging each other to more dares around New York City, communicating only through the red notebook. Watch the trailer! Why I looove it: The series is a Christmas-themed romantic comedy, which combines two of my most favorite things. I've also realized I'm especially a sucker for romcoms where the two characters fall in love by reading the other's words without meeting first ( You've Got Mail, She Loves Me, Rainbow Rowell's book Attachments ). Basically, Dash & Lily was bound to be a favorite for me from the get-go. Dash is brooding in a way that's actually genuine and endearing, and not in an annoying, "I'm better than everyone because I hate life and read books," way. He is cynical and does occasionally boast about how much he reads, but he's so sweet and open-minded that it's okay. Lily is bubbly, kind, tough, and brave— and I love it when writers realize that kindness doesn't mean weakness and badassery doesn't mean literally kicking ass or being an ass. There are a bunch of fun helpers along the way, including Dash’s best friend Boomer who is basically a happy puppy dog trapped in a human’s body. So far it's only one season, but the book it is based on is the first in a trilogy. I hope it gets renewed because I love it and want to see what else the characters will do, but the season wraps up perfectly. I'd recommend it if: You need a healthy dose of holiday spirit or renewed belief in love. Where to watch it: Netflix! Being Erica A brief intro: Erica Strange hits a low point in her life when she’s dumped by her boyfriend, then fired from her job for being over-qualified, and then has an allergic reaction to a hazelnut latte. At the hospital, she meets the mysterious therapist Dr. Tom. He has Erica write a list of all her biggest regrets. He picks one and asks her, "What would you do differently?" She tells him, and then he sends her back in time to the moment her regret took place so she can do it over. Watch the trailer! Why I looove it: Being Erica is one of those shows that's always going to hold an extra special place in my heart. It puts a unique perspective on things, and I think some of it actually helped me gain a bit of my own clarity. The whole premise is such a unique concept that sounds like it should be obvious, and yet it's unlike any other show I’ve watched. I could kind of compare it to Quantum Leap , I guess, but it definitely feels like something all its own. All of the characters have so much depth to them. Some are lovable and some are frustrating, and I promise Dr. Tom doesn't always speak in as many quotes as he does in the first couple episodes (or maybe you just get used to it). There were a couple moments in the series where it took some unexpected turns and I worried it was going to jump the shark, but it always found its footing again. I'd recommend it if: You want something thought provoking, but not in an intimidating way. Where to watch it: Hulu! Julie and the Phantoms A brief intro: High schooler Julie has been unable to bring herself to play music ever since her mom died. Lucky for her, she meets the ghosts of a teenage boy band who help her rediscover the music in her heart. Watch this scene! Or this music video! (The trailer gives away way too much, so I couldn’t link to it in good conscience.) Why I looove it: You know those rare, special stories that just make your heart feel a little bit brighter ? Julie and the Phantoms is one of those. I know the premise doesn't sound like it, with dead teenagers and depression, but trust me. It definitely has its heartbreaking moments (it’s about ghosts, after all!), but overall it’s truly one of the sweetest stories, and so hopeful and inspiring. The whole cast is incredibly talented and the music is great. The whole band is absolutely adorable, hilarious, and so, so sweet. Julie’s best friend, Flynn, is awesome, and this is one of the few teen shows where the dad is actually reasonable and supportive. It also has the type of villains that make you want to scream, “Be nice to Julie! What did she ever do to you?!” or “STAY AWAY FROM THOSE BOYS!” I think that if I groan any time the villain is on screen the writers have done a good job. So far only one season is out, and if it doesn't get renewed I will be nothing short of devastated (yes I know that's dramatic, but it’s also true). Either way, I know that this is a show I'm going to have on repeat. I finished it three days ago and already started rewatching it. I’d recommend it if: You like music and happiness. Where to watch it: Netflix! Honorable mentions Good Witch It's an oh-so-very-cheesy Hallmark series, but really sweet and makes me happy. (Netflix) Jingle Jangle It's a movie, not a show, but I watched it so many times it may as well have been a two-season series. (Netflix) Fresh Off the Boat I've only watched the first few episodes so far, but it's already one the funniest shows I have seen in a long time. Fingers crossed the rest of the series is this funny! (Hulu)

“You should smile more.” If you cringed reading those words, I feel your pain. I even cringed writing them. As a proud, yet accursed owner of a Resting Bitch Face (RBF), I’ve heard this since kindergarten from all kinds of people—men, women, children, strangers, acquaintances… Some even wrote it in my yearbooks. I think it’s generally said with good intent, but it’s upsetting to be on the receiving end. I, like so many others, can’t help it that my face doesn’t naturally look happy. I truly cannot count how many times I have been told “you should smile more,” or something else in the same vein. Here are just a select few of the standout occasions thus far, in no particular order. (Some of these are probably my RBF coupled with the fact that I was (am) on the shier side and was quiet in school.) In high school, a substitute teacher—whom I had never met—walked into my class, took one look at me and said, “Things aren’t that bad. You can smile.” My day was fine up to that point, and I wasn’t in a bad mood. This put me in one. In third grade, a girl made me laugh. I don’t remember what she did or said, but she started yelling to the entire class, “Oh my gosh! I just made Sammi laugh!” She acted like it was an Olympic-level feat. Anyone who knows me knows that it’s not. I laugh plenty. I’ve made some friends uncomfortable because I was laughing too hard for too long in public places. I’ve embarrassed my friends because I spewed water from laughing in public places (thanks, Bri). (I’m using fake names here.) I was at dinner a few years ago with my friend Annie and her three friends Sarah, Mark, and Bob. I had met Sarah and Mark a couple times before this, but I had never met Bob. I sat on one side of Annie, Bob sat on the other side of her, and Sarah and Mark sat across from us. We had been there for a little while, having a pleasant conversation. At some point I laughed, and Bob made a point of leaning forward over Annie to give me direct eye contact, and exclaimed, “ Oh! She laughs!” It’s also important to mention that Mark said far less than I did at that meal, and didn’t laugh as much either. Bob didn’t make any kind of comment about Mark, though. Just me. Side note: If you are a guy who has had someone tell you to smile more, please tell me your experience! I’ve only ever heard women talk about it, and have only ever heard it said to/about women. I’d love to hear a story from a man on this subject. I’ve had multiple people tell me, “I thought you were mean before I met you!” This was usually said by classmates, but one time it was my high school art teacher. She told my friend, who was sitting right next to me, that she found me intimidating when the school year started. I said, “Wait, what? Really?” And she just walked away without answering. I was at a friend’s party and people were dancing. I happen to not like dancing, so I was sitting at the kitchen table and was perfectly content. A friend of my friend came over and told me that I looked unhappy. I said, “It’s just my face,” because that has become my go-to response after all these years. He proceeded to tell me that, not only was it my face, it was also my body language. He went on to explain in detail and argue that I was, in fact, unhappy. As you can imagine, I don’t like it when people explain to me how I’m feeling, especially when they’re wrong. Although, I guess he wasn’t completely wrong, because that conversation made me unhappy. Here’s a positive experience with my RBF! Since my natural expression already looks “intimidating” or “upset” or “mad” or “stern” (just a few of the descriptors I’ve heard over the years) it means that it’s that much scarier when I glare at someone. It can feel pretty powerful to just slightly change my expression and scare people who are being rude. Once, I was rushing to the bus and accidentally scared an obnoxious guy trying to collect signatures or money or something on campus. I turned to look at him after he repeatedly yelled “hey” at me four or five times. I wasn’t even purposely trying to glare, but I was annoyed since I was in a rush and he was incessant. When he saw my face, he was visibly frightened and said, “Woah, sorry. Have a nice day.” And guess what? I laughed. I also said, “You too!” Because despite what my face might lead some to believe, I’m not rude. Now that you’ve heard some personal anecdotes and can see that I’m somewhat of an expert on the subject, let’s discuss some of the most common ways people tell others to smile more/imply that they don’t smile enough, why it’s so frustrating, and even some ways you can avoid these rude comments in the future! The classic and most common, “you should smile more! " Firstly, just because someone isn’t actively smiling doesn’t mean they’re unhappy. But if they are unhappy, then they should be allowed to feel their feelings without judgment from someone who doesn’t know anything about what they’re going through. Secondly, why would hearing this make anyone smile? I don’t know anyone who has been told to smile and thought, “Hey, what a great idea that I’ve never considered!” Someone else’s face is none of your business, so just leave them be. If you’re in a situation that you have to interact with them, try to give them an actual reason to smile. Be nice and have a normal conversation with them. Don’t demand a smile. And definitely don’t do that annoying thing where you obnoxiously repeat, “I bet I can get you to smile! Oh, is that a smile I see there? Oh! Oh! She’s starting to smile!” in a high-pitched voice like you’re talking to a baby. It’s demeaning to both people involved. “You should smile more—you look pretty/nice when you smile!” I’ve heard this one a couple times, and my gut reaction each time was to say something along the lines of, “If my natural face makes you uncomfortable, please, just don’t look at it.” I know that’s an overreaction (hence why I’ve never actually said it), and I know it’s meant as a compliment, but it’s backhanded and rude. Instead, you could simply say, “You have a nice/pretty smile!” That is an actual compliment and won’t make the person feel bad about themselves. “You should smile more. Things aren’t that bad, you know.” This one is especially infuriating. You don’t know what’s going on in someone’s life or head. Maybe things are difficult for them at the moment and they’re having trouble finding a reason to smile. Or maybe it’s just the way their face looks! Either way, just never say this. My only advice here is the same as #1. Leave them be. “OMG YOU LAUGHED?! / OMG I GOT YOU TO LAUGH!” Yes, you said or did something funny. Just move on and don’t make the person uncomfortable about laughing. Just because someone doesn’t always laugh around you doesn’t mean they’re humorless. Maybe their sense of humor is just different from yours. They’re laughing now, so just take the win and don’t make a big deal out of it. “I thought you were mean before I met you!” I don’t know why anyone thinks this is okay to say. How could you think someone was mean before you met them? You didn’t know them! If you’re saying this to someone, it means they are nice and it’s going to make them sad to know you used to think they were mean. Just keep this one to yourself, I guess. I can’t offer any advice here. Basically, all of this is to say don’t judge other people by the look on their face. Don’t tell people to smile because it will make you feel better for some reason. The look on someone else’s face is of no consequence to you. If you happen to make someone smile, then great! But I can promise you that you will not put a genuine smile on anyone’s face by telling them to smile more or obnoxiously trying to goad them into it. Just let people smile if and when they damn well want to. I have tote bags available with the title design on them in my Threadless shop!