Comments made about my facial expressions
All my life family members and strangers have commented on my normal facial expression, it's been described as serious, angry, lost (I really don't get that), a frown and not cheerful. The sad thing is only up until last year when I realised I had social anxiety did I notice that people where right after seeing myself in mirrors and window reflections just that the whole time I was in denial and thought I looked content not all the things they said. Now I'm trying to make an effort not to look so serious or unhappy but it's not natural for me to walk around with a grin on my face for no reason, I've tried practicing in the mirror which worked for a while when friends noticed I was smiling a lot but then I always seem to go back to my normal expression. Has any one else been told they need to smile more? Or had comments made about their normal facial expression especially in public?
Yes! lol When I worked @ Culver's, my manager would always tell me I need to smile more @ the customers! My husband says I am getting lines on my forehead b/c I am always looking so serious, but he's just exaggerating b/c he wants me to smile more. I blame my not always smiling on stress .. Fake smiling is not good either. It will make you feel a lot better though if you smile at people but genuinely, even if you don't know them. Stress takes a big toll on a person's life, but I guess if I keep looking serious and not smiling, that's not going to help me either. I would like someone to smile at me! It's just the gesture that counts. So, I'm smiling at you and Happy 4th of July :)
It can be frustrating to be told to smile frequently when you dont feel like it. I have had people misinterpret how I feel by my facial expressions. My dad, who is responsible for my depression and ptsd, has said that I look like a serial killer. That couldnt be further from the truth. I have no desire to hurt anyone in any way. You take care of yourself and dont be overly concerned with those comments.
Naturally, my face rarely reflects what I feel like on the inside. It's taken me years and years of practice to learn how to seem less serious/more content or happy looking. I have had people ask before if I'm pissed off or upset and it can be frustrating. Usually when I'm concentrating on something or need to focus (like when I'm driving) I will look very serious because it then goes to the back of my mind about rearranging my face. Hey, driving safely is more important than looking "cheery". ;P