So apparently I have a "look"

[mousme]

I got told yesterday that I have a "look."

I'm quite distressed by this, because apparently this "look" happens completely randomly and gives people the impression that I'm angry with them, or possibly just angry in general.

This has been confirmed by three out of four people. The fourth person just said I looked "stressed" and possibly like I felt out of place, which is accurate because I never do feel *in* place.

This came about because I got told that someone was under the impression that I didn't like them. Then I was told about "the look." It was this "look" that many people have noticed (well, at least three) that gave this person the impression that I don't like them.

I have no idea what to do about this. I have no idea what this "look" looks like (no pun intended... well, maybe a little), nor how to get rid of it.

I mean, I'm rarely if ever truly angry with people, especially in social situations. It takes a lot for me to decide that I don't like someone. I may not click with people right away, but from there to dislike is a large leap.

In fact, I want people to like me. It's a huge thing for me to think that I'm inadvertently causing people even the slightest amount of discomfort.

Gah.

I suppose it's not the end of the world, but still. How does one change a facial expression one doesn't know one has?

Comments

[vureoelt.livejournal.com]

If it's any consolation, I have no idea what they're talking about... *hugs*

[djs-specs.livejournal.com]

Hon, don't stress about it. So you've got a look, big deal. I've got one that can mean anything from thoughtful to calculating to I'm plotting someone's grisly death depending on how well the person receiving it knows me ;)

[wolflady26.livejournal.com]

Get a really cheap digital camera - like one of those 1 megapixel thingies - and hand it to the people who think you don't like them. Tell them to snap you with it when you have "the look".

Even if it doesn't capture the expression, it would probably be kinda funny, and relieve some tension ;)

[kimberly-a.livejournal.com]

I have the same problem, actually. When I was a child and would have my photograph taken, they would always say, "Okay, let's have one with a serious face. No smile at all." And my mom would leap in and say, "No! You have to have a little smile." Because my expression when I'm not purposely smiling is ... uh ... well, apparently I look really pissed off. And I too worry about how this impacts my interactions with other people, especially strangers. I try to be aware of it, now that I know about it, but to be honest I only think of it a few times each week. The rest of the time, my face just falls into its natural expression. I figure people just have to deal with it.

[mina-laury.livejournal.com]

*hug*

I apparently inadvertently glare at people - I've been told this on several occasions - and I also look so sombre when I'm actually just thinking 'Oh, do I need to buy some cat litter? Pretty clouds in the sky! Oops, must return my aunt's telephone call' that acquaintances occasionally rush across the road and ask if I'm all right.

[shenlo.livejournal.com]

Heheh... I've been blessed with a very expressive face, or so I've been told. I've been told that I:
-can be read like a book.
-wear my heart on my sleeve.
-am like a living cartoon.

That being said, I do find you difficult to read (I'm not very good at 'reading' anyone), though I don't think I've ever seen your "look".
*Squeeze*

[odheirre.livejournal.com]

Well, I'd tell you, but I'm afraid you'll give me a look :-)

*duck and run*

Seriously, if it really bothers you, instead of trying to change the look, you could address it directly. Say, "This is my normal reaction, I tend to stress out about stuff in general and I'm not mad at you specifically." Something like that, maybe.