NimbusNine wrote:
I get people saying such things from time to time. My mum once said I looked “demented” when she saw me walking across the garden on my way home, but I was feeling alright. People often ask me what’s wrong, or tell me to cheer up- often complete strangers in the street. When I was looking over the balcony at my university someone said that I looked like I wanted to jump, but I was just admiring the scenery really. I can’t help it, my resting face must look very forlorn and sad even when i’m feeling okay.
Funnily when I am in the midst of a depressive episode or if I am actually very upset no one really notices just by looking at my face. I could be on the verge of a panic attack and I’d just have a neutral expression I guess.
I have learned to smile on command convincingly which seems to work I think.
My best attempt to force a smile makes me look like a serial killer. I very rarely have legitimate smiles.
For me mainly the people who ask me if I am alright is some of the nicer girls who just know me as the shy lonely guy.
_________________
Veni, Vidi, Vici
proficere non satis est, oportet deficiant ceteri omnes