The quote reflects the author's experience with the perception of her facial expression, commonly referred to as "resting bitch face." This expression often led to unsolicited advice from strangers urging her to smile, highlighting a societal expectation for women to appear cheerful regardless of their true feelings.

The humorous exaggeration about earning a fortune from these comments illustrates both the frustration and absurdity of such interactions. The author's witty take on the situation also reveals a deeper commentary on how women are often judged based on their appearance and demeanor, suggesting the need for societal change in how we perceive and respond to others.