ScaredToBreathe
Well-known member
Hi guys!
So, I was wondering if any of you have an issue with controlling your facial expressions, and what you may do to help it? I have a "poker face" most of the time (as I'm ALWAYS told), even when I'm happy or feeling just fine. People have called me out for looking angry or never smiling, but I don't even realize what my face looks like most of the time. I don't visibly express emotions very well, but definitely feel those emotions internally.
So most of the time I have a blank face or no control over what expressions I'm making, unless I consciously think to physically express something. (ex: if someone makes friendly conversation I'd make myself smile to express that I'm being friendly back or thankful, etc, but the smile doesn't come naturally- I have to think about it to do it).
It's even worse in groups and other social situations where my SA kicks in. My mind just kind of goes blank and wanders and I feel intensely anxious and uneasy/uncomfortable. My eyes will sometimes look up, without me realizing, if I'm thinking about something and not focused on my surroundings. Or I'll have a blank stare. Or if someone's talking to me I'm not sure what expressions I'm making while looking at them and have a feeling I've just been making weird faces. Since I can't see myself I never know how I look to others and sometimes they get the wrong impression because I don't notice what I'm expressing physically.
Anyone else have this?
So, I was wondering if any of you have an issue with controlling your facial expressions, and what you may do to help it? I have a "poker face" most of the time (as I'm ALWAYS told), even when I'm happy or feeling just fine. People have called me out for looking angry or never smiling, but I don't even realize what my face looks like most of the time. I don't visibly express emotions very well, but definitely feel those emotions internally.
So most of the time I have a blank face or no control over what expressions I'm making, unless I consciously think to physically express something. (ex: if someone makes friendly conversation I'd make myself smile to express that I'm being friendly back or thankful, etc, but the smile doesn't come naturally- I have to think about it to do it).
It's even worse in groups and other social situations where my SA kicks in. My mind just kind of goes blank and wanders and I feel intensely anxious and uneasy/uncomfortable. My eyes will sometimes look up, without me realizing, if I'm thinking about something and not focused on my surroundings. Or I'll have a blank stare. Or if someone's talking to me I'm not sure what expressions I'm making while looking at them and have a feeling I've just been making weird faces. Since I can't see myself I never know how I look to others and sometimes they get the wrong impression because I don't notice what I'm expressing physically.
Anyone else have this?
Though my face usually looks more sad or neutral than bitchy. I just think it may be more prominent in the SA community because we are pretty awkward at expressing things socially and often aren't sure what to say or how to act in social situations. I am also an introvert so I keep most thoughts and feelings in my mind instead of outwardly expressing them. Definitely more in touch with what I'm thinking and feeling than what's going on externally around me.