Whenever I'm just stood there, not thinking of anything, I have people say to me, ''Are you alright?'' or the classic, ''Smile.''

I think the culmination of a life filled with being bullied, stressed, having to always be responsible, generally not having any fun or cool experiences, along with people always telling me I look sad (who don't help you feel happy with such comments, just subconsciously worried as to how you may be coming across ) has all been permanently etched onto my face.

The really sad thing is when I was a kid I actually used to be visibly very happy all the time.

You then also have 'resting bitch face.' Which could be seen as being better, as it makes you look angry so people maybe won't try to mess with you, I guess?

But yeah, resting sad face. Anyone else have this?

Alas folk have a tendency to pigeon-hole and to expect other folk to do as they do.

It's quite an art I think to say the appropriate thing which doesn't cause unwanted repercussions and I always wish I could be better at it





However I believe many folk are showing a genuine concern when they offer these statements so that's better than a kick in the teeth....

''Are you alright'' is okay and does indeed show concern.

But to just say 'Smile' to a stranger is a bit presumptuous. I mean what if they've received some terrible news?

The thing is whenever people say 'Smile' to me it's mainly at happy occasions. But I just can't force myself to smile constantly because I look like an idiot. I mean I tried it once and everyone just started laughing because it was out of character and I looked ridiculous.

Did all this start when you bought a coop

We all have a story to tell & I could have you all in tears over your cornflakes, but for some reason I'm one of those who usually has a daft smirk on my face most of the time... Life is just too short & precious to waste. We are all different & have different outlooks on life that's for sure, & no I'm never asked to smile.

Back in the day when I used to be out & about more often socially, it wasn't uncommon for someone to ask me what the hell are you smiling at?

This

Yeah - I'm in the camp where people always see me as being happy. Eve seems to have inherited this and is relentlessly optimistic and positive (with occasional understandable lapses just now).

So basically the resting face is the body's subconscious reflection of the person's personality/outlook on life?

I think there's a strong argument for this as the body reflects many aspects of our daily life - fitness, diet, climate just for a start.

However this "nurture" does not necessarily include a "survival" type ability to mask our feelings - it could be that you don't want to overtly display your own happiness in front of others who are having a hard time. I also used to be told to "smile" regularly when I was much younger (a while ago ) when in fact I thought I was feeling fine, so I recognise the issue! Looking back on it though perhaps I was only "fine" for myself considering I spent a lot of time away from my parents who often argued, which kind of corroborates your own statement.

Who knows......one thing is for sure though, nothing necessarily stays the same so if you're ever feeling in a bad place there is always a good chance it'll improve! Timing? Not necessarily controllable!

Life can be tough and it hurts at times.

Being a sensitive person could be a burden.

I try to have a surface it type of personality . It's helped a lot in recent years and I am enjoying my life and it's expierience mostly.

I realised a fair time ago that I didn't want to be the richest man in the graveyard and grab my chances when I get them.

I must say it helps having an absolute rock of a wife alongside me.

To me some one said

It just had.



Everything we have in life prepares us for something or the ability to help someone we care about.
What every bad thing you are pondering; worse things happen at sea. Look to the good things in your life and draw strength. Don't be alone.
If nothing else PM a FCCUK member its hard not to listen to a PM.




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enable tongue in cheek mode:

but chin up old man your not alone or the first

I'm contracting atm and have a troll with BO. Must not feed the troll.

end tongue in cheek mode

(hope I got a smile)



It's hard to get perspective in a forum post but for the most part we in the UK have it good. It might not always seem that way and I know some people here have rough time.

My perspective is always my mums dad, my life is good.
He was supplying Yanks;
He drove a truck.
Into POW camps....
He took in aide.
He took out a few....
He watched people he could not save die.

What ever you survive or are a witness to, use. Don't be pushed down by it.
our experiences shape us and with out the rough we are nothing. The best people can relate to sad things and feel injustice in the world.

You could always try to disguise your resting face with a slash of makeup

I heard many years ago about a woman who always looked too serious. So she had surgery done on her face which then resulted in her always looking cheerful. Apparently this proved to be a problem whenever she attended funerals or was in any other situation where a sombre expression was expected.